The Importance of Identifying the Origins of Microfine Particles in Aquatic Systems
- 1 July 1984
- Vol. 43 (2) , 217-221
- https://doi.org/10.2307/3544771
Abstract
The importance of filter-feeding animals of microfine particles from different origins is considered. Microfine particles (defined here as those > 0.5 .mu.m but < 10 .mu.m in diameter) in aquatic systems have 6 possible origins. Primary microfines result from the breakdown of larger particles; secondary microfines result from 5 different methods of aggregation of organic material. Microfines of different origin are very difficult to differentiate but the relative proportions of each type determine the nutritive value of this particle fraction as a whole. Secondary microfines have a higher nutritive value than primary microfines and filter feeders are found abundantly in microhabitats where the ratio of secondary:primary microfines is high.This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:
- Transport of particulate organic matter by bubbles in marine waters 1Limnology and Oceanography, 1978