Chapter A7. Section 7.4. Algal Biomass Indicators

Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations 09-A7.4
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Abstract

Indicators of algal biomass are used to assess water quality in both moving (lotic) and stillwater (lentic) ecosystems. Algal biomass in a water body can be estimated in three ways: (1) by quantifying chlorophyll a (CHL a), (2) by measuring carbon biomass as ash-free dry mass (AFDM), or (3) by measuring the particulate organic carbon (POC) in a sample. The CHL a procedure measures photosynthetic pigment common to all types of algae, while AFDM and POC procedures measure the carbon in a filtered water sample. Each chapter of the National Field Manual is published separately and revised periodically. Newly published and revised chapters will be announced on the USGS Home Page on the World Wide Web under 'New Publications of the U.S. Geological Survey.'

Suggested Citation

Berkman, J.A.H., and Canova, M.G., 2007, Chapter 7.4, Algai biomass indicators: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chap 7.4, https://doi.org/10.3133/twri09A7.4.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Chapter A7. Section 7.4. Algal biomass indicators
Series title Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations
Series number 09-A7.4
DOI 10.3133/twri09A7.4
Year Published 2007
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Description 82 p.
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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