BENTHIC MICROALGAE AND NUTRIENTS

Benthic microalgae, also known as microphytobenthos, consist of the microscopic plant community that lives at the surface of illuminated sediments. The sediment record indicates that algae associated with the surface of sediments and rooted aquatic plants were once a dominant part of the photosynthetic community in the Chesapeake Bay. With the increase of phytoplankton biomass, the area of sediment which receives sufficient light for the growth of benthic microalgae has been severely diminished. Our results thus far show that even with low light, this community can persist. Funding from Maryland Sea Grant is being used to estimate the impact of bay restoration on benthic production in shallow water sediments. Specifically, we will be estimating the rates of primary production and enhanced nutrient retention by benthic microalgae in the northern Chesapeake Bay, provide appropriate light-production and other data relationships to the modeling community to enhance predictive modeling of shallow water processes, and improve the techniques for making such assessments. Techniques applied to Maryland’s coastal bays and to Florida Bay will be used.