Biomass and remote sensing of aquatic macrophytes in the Pamlico River estuary / by Thomas Martin Vicars, Jr.
| Author/creator | Vicars, Thomas Martin author. |
| Other author | Davis, Graham J., degree supervisor. |
| Other author | East Carolina University. Department of Biology. |
| Format | Theses and dissertations |
| Production | 1976. |
| Description | 108 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm |
| Supplemental Content | Access via ScholarShip |
| Subjects |
| Summary | The purpose of this study was to determine what ecosystem functions are served by submersed aquatic plants (macrophytes) in the Pamlico River estuary of North Carolina. Aerial photography was used successfully to map submersed plant beds. Coverage of macrophytes varied considerably during the growing season but maximum coverage v/as relatively stable between 1974 and 1975, especially in upstream areas. Field studies in 1974 showed that the biomass of macrophytes ranged from 2,3 ~ 50 g/m² organic dry weight (ODW), and total biomass in 2 August 1975 was 22 - ICO g/m² ODW, with highest values upstream and in deep water beds. Through the combined use of aerial photography and field studies total biomass estimates v/ere made. These estimates were 104 MT (metric tons) ODW in August 1974 and 198 MT ODW in August 1975, High biomass was related to physiography of the littoral, stable salinity and reduced wind and wave stress. Studies of plant bed distribution patterns revealed that turbidity, fluctuating water levels and currents were important factors affecting colonization. Studies of floating macrophyte debris showed that most of the aquatic plant biomass was lost to detritus between August and November. Comparatively little plant material left the-area of the estuary where it was produced in the floating stage. Inorganic nutrients in aquatic macrophytes, especially phosphorus, were relatively high. Vallisncria americana MIichx., the dominant species, contained 2250 g-at/g ODW nitrogen and 235 g-at/g ODW phosphorus. Those values are well above those reported to be limiting for the species. |
| General note | Presented to the faculty of the Department of Biology |
| General note | Advisor: Graham J. Davis |
| General note | "Presented to the faculty of the Department of Biology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts in Biology." |
| Dissertation note | M.A. East Carolina University 1976 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 95-98). |
| Genre/form | dissertations. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joyner | University Archives | ASK AT SPECIAL COLLECTIONS DESK | ✔ Available | Request Material |
| Electronic Resources | ✔ Available |