Original paper
A quantitative method based on HPLC-aided pigment analysis to monitor structure and dynamics of the phytoplankton assemblage - A study from Lake Meerfelder Maar (Eifel, Germany)
Wilhelm, Christian; Rudolph, Ina; Renner, Wolfgang
Archiv für Hydrobiologie Volume 123 Number 1 (1991), p. 21 - 35
26 references
published: Nov 15, 1991
DOI: 10.1127/archiv-hydrobiol/123/1991/21
ArtNo. ESP141012301001, Price: 29.00 €
Abstract
The dynamics of phytoplankton communities are mostly studied using the Utermöhl sedimentation technique followed by cell counting with help of an inverted microscope. This method is time-consuming and needs special qualified staff. Therefore, the phytoplankton assemblages are studied either non-continuously or in only few selected waters. We present a new method to estimate the phytoplankton assemblage without cell counting. This method is based on the extraction and quantification of the photosynthetic pigments which are separated and quantified using a powerful high performance liquid chromatography. The chromatographic system is able to resolve the characteristic pigments of algal groups present in out-door samples. Peak integration of the pigments specific for Chlorophytes, Diatoms, Cryptophytes, Dinoflagellates and Cyanobacteria allows the percentage contribution of each group to total chlorophyll-a. In order to compare the results obtained with this new method with the classical Utermöhl cell countings, an eutrophic lake was parallely analyzed with both methods from April to November 1989. It is shown that the pigment analysis yields very similar results than the cell counting technique. Intensive research must be done to optimize this method before it can be used routinely for quantitative phytoplankton analysis.