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A method to determine in situ zooplankton grazing rates on natural particle assemblages

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Abstract

In situ zooplankton grazing rates on natural particle assemblages were stimated by measuring zooplankton uptake of labelled autotrophic (with Na14CO3) and heterotrophic (with [methyl-3H]-thymidine) particulate matter in 1-h incubations in clear, Plexiglas, Haney chambers. The in situ grazing rates are in the same range as those measured for zooplankton in the laboratory using standard particle counting techniques. A negative selection coefficient for 3H-labelled particles indicated a lower filtration efficiency or avoidance of these particles by zooplankton.

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Author notes

  1. M. R. Roman

    Present address: Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, P.O. Box 38, 20688, Solomons, Maryland, USA

  2. P. A. Rublee

    Present address: CBCES-Smithsonian Institution, P.O. Box 28, 21037, Edgewater, Maryland, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, 33149, Miami, Florida, USA

    M. R. Roman & P. A. Rublee

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  1. M. R. Roman
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  2. P. A. Rublee
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Communicated by J. M. Lawrence, Tampa

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Roman, M.R., Rublee, P.A. A method to determine in situ zooplankton grazing rates on natural particle assemblages. Mar. Biol. 65, 303–309 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00397126

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00397126

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