Decomposition of Turtlegrass (Thalassia testudinum Konig) in flowing seawater tanks and litterbags: Compositional changes and comparison with natural particulate matter

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Parke A. Rublee, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Thalassia testudinum Konig litter was incubated up to 3 yr in flowing sea-water tanks and litterbags in the field. Weight loss of litter was evident within 1 wk and 50% loss of ash free dry weight took < 35 days. Carbon and nitrogen were lost from litter, but the C: N ratio (by weight) changed only slightly over the first 180 days of incubation. Protein, carbohydrate, and lipid content of litter decreased with time. Number of bacteria on litter increased from ˜ 9 to 37-60 × 109 cells • g dry wt-1. Lipid synthesis activity suggested a succession in the litter microbial community. Thalassia detritus from long-term tank incubations (2 to 3 yr) exhibited similarities in biochemical composition with particulate matter in natural water.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology
Language: English
Date: 1982
Keywords
Turtlegrass, Thalassia testudinum Konig, Decomposition

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