Variation in biomass and species composition of epiphytic community on the different aged leaves of Zostera marina (Chlorophyta)

Abstract

The development of the epiphytic community on the leaves of Zostera marina was followed by comparing variations in epiphytic organic carbon, chlorophyll a, cell abundance, and species composition between the younger and older leaves. Biomass of epiphytic community on Z. marina depended on leaf age; particulate organic carbon and cell abundance on the older leaves were 21 and 192 times higher than those on the youngest leaves, respectively. The abundant taxa of epiphytic community were Leptolyngbia sp. (Cyanobacteria), Cocconeis scutellum, Campylopyxis garkeana, and Gomphonemataceae (Bacillariophyceae), and the change of species composition of epiphytic community was independent on the leaf age. Significant relation between CHLa and POC showed organic matter on the leaves was consisted of algal cells. The amount of epiphytic POC was well correlated with diatom cell abundance (P<0.1), but not with total cell abundance. The prevalence of diatoms instead of Cyanobacteria on the leaves was shown by both chemical and taxonomic analyses. Low POC/DW ratios of epiphytic community on the older leaves indicated that inorganic suspended particles were more likely to adhere.