Quantitative evidence concerning the stabilization of sediments by marine benthic diatoms
Holland, A.F.; Zingmark, R.G.; Dean, J.M. (1974). Quantitative evidence concerning the stabilization of sediments by marine benthic diatoms. Mar. Biol. (Berl.) 27(3): 191-196. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/bf00391943
In: Marine Biology: International Journal on Life in Oceans and Coastal Waters. Springer: Heidelberg; Berlin. ISSN 0025-3162; e-ISSN 1432-1793, more
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| Author keywords |
Distributional Pattern, Laminar Flow, Culture Flask, Benthic Invertebrate, Diatom Species |
| Authors | | Top |
- Holland, A.F.
- Zingmark, R.G.
- Dean, J.M.
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| Abstract |
Six species of benthic diatoms and a natural benthic diatom community were cultured in flasks on a variety of sediments. Diatom species which secreted large quantities of mucilage were effective sediment stabilizers. These mucilage-secreting species significantly reduced resuspension and retarded laminar flow of the sediments when the culture flasks were agitated. Diatom species which secreted little or no mucilage were not effective sediment stabilizers. These non-mucilage-secreting species did not significantly effect resuspension or laminar flow of the sediments when the culture flasks were agitated. A sediment stabilizing mechanism based on the secretion of mucilage by pennate benthic diatoms is proposed. The effect such a process may have on distributional patterns of benthic invertebrates in areas where extensive diatom or other microalgal films occur is discussed. |
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