Abstract

Biovolume is commonly used as a size descriptor in the study of phytoplankton ecology. Usually, biovolume is not measured directly but is obtained from a standardized set of geometric models based on linear dimensions measured by light microscopy. This commonly used method allows visualization and measurement in two dimensions (2D) yielding no information at all on the third dimension of phytoplankton cells. Inaccurate biovolume assessment resulting from geometric approximation leads to erroneous interpretation of eco-physiological processes and morpho-functional traits. Here, we use confocal microscopy coupled with an image analysis system (NIS Elements AR software, Nikon) to determine directly shape and biovolume by means a 3D reconstruction of Coscinodiscus cf. granii specimens. We evaluate the accuracy of current methods by comparing the results obtained using geometric models with direct biovolume and shape. We find that calculation of biovolume by approximation to geometric models (cylindrical and complex shapes) leads to a significant overestimation with respect to direct volume. We also propose a data-driven formula for calculating the biovolume of Coscinodiscus cf. granii specimens based on diameter or other linear measurements.

Autore Pugliese

• Basset Alberto , Paparella Francesco

Tutti gli autori

• L.. Roselli , E. Stanca , F. Paparella , A. Mastrolia , A. Basset

Titolo volume/Rivista

JOURNAL OF PLANKTON RESEARCH

Anno di pubblicazione

2013

ISSN

0142-7873

ISBN

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Wos

10

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

28/04/2018

Numero di citazioni Scopus

13

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

28/04/2018

Settori ERC

Non Disponibile

Codici ASJC

Non Disponibile