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Distinguishing modes of dissolved organic carbon production in marine macrophytes by tracer kinetic analysis

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Abstract

Tracer kinetic analysis of radioisotope incorporation into dissolved organic compounds reveals two distinct patterns of photosynthate release by macroalgae. In experiments employing Sargassum lacerifolium, dissolved organic carbon was produced at a constant rate during light incubations. Steady state rates of production were never achieved in experiments employing either Ecklonia radiata (Turn.) J. Agardh. or Ulva lactuca L. Analysis of the time-varying radioactivity curves obtained in experiments using these algae always resulted in models consistent with dissolved organic carbon production being an autocatalytic process. Preincubation of U. lactuca in the dark resulted in a diminished (ca. 40%) rate of dissolved organic carbon production during the subsequent light incubations. In no case did the radioisotope content of the dissolved organic carbon approach a limiting value, indicating that in contrast to phytoplankton, uptake rates of photosynthate by macroalgae are always less than the rates of production.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, West Australian Institute of Technology, Kent Street, 6102, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia

    S. M. J. Horner

  2. Division of Fisheries Research, CSIRO Marine Laboratories, P.O. Box 20, 6020, North Beach, Western Australia, Australia

    D. F. Smith

Authors
  1. S. M. J. Horner
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  2. D. F. Smith
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Communicated by G. F. Humphrey, Sydney

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Horner, S.M.J., Smith, D.F. Distinguishing modes of dissolved organic carbon production in marine macrophytes by tracer kinetic analysis. Marine Biology 81, 231–236 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00393217

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00393217

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