Primary production of epiphytic algae in a marsh pond

Abstract

The use of artificial substrates for the estimation of epiphytic algal production was evaluated. The primary productivity of epiphytic algae in a marsh pond (Crescent Pond, Delta Marsh, Manitoba) was estimated using a cellulose acetate substrate. Annual production, based on 14C uptake was 26.8 g C m−2 of pond surface area. Production m−2 colonizable surface area was greatest on Scirpus acutus (32.3 g C m−2 year−1), while Potamogeton pectinatus was the most significant substrate in overall pond production (1700 kg C year−1). The organic C content of the epiphytic community was related to rates of productivity.