Spatial distribution of diatom and pigment sedimentary records in surface sediments in Doubtful Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand

Algal remains (pigment concentrations, diatom frustules) and organic matter sources (δ 15 N, δ 13 C) in surface sediments (0-2 cm) were quantified and related to environmental gradients in Doubtful Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand. Sedimentary pigment concentrations, in particular diatoxanthin and fuco...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:New Zealand journal of marine and freshwater research 2011-12, Vol.45 (4), p.591-608
Main Authors: Schüller, SE, Savage, C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bacillariophyceae
diatoms
Fiordland
Freshwater
Marine
pigments
Plankton
Sediments
stable isotopes
surface sediments
Water pollution
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Summary:Algal remains (pigment concentrations, diatom frustules) and organic matter sources (δ 15 N, δ 13 C) in surface sediments (0-2 cm) were quantified and related to environmental gradients in Doubtful Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand. Sedimentary pigment concentrations, in particular diatoxanthin and fucoxanthin (diatom biomarkers) were elevated near Malaspina Reach, which experiences greater incident irradiance and mixing of silica-rich freshwater with nutrient-rich marine water. In contrast, diatom frustules were recovered in low concentrations in deep basins including Malaspina Reach, most likely related to dissolution and grazing. Spatial variability in pigments in Doubtful Sound was mainly correlated with light conditions (incident irradiance, chromophoric dissolved organic matter). By contrast, diatoms were principally correlated with salinity gradients (effective freshwater depth) and water column stratification (mixing). This study highlights the importance of using complementary sedimentary proxies when reconstructing algal abundance and community composition in fjord environments.
ISSN:0028-8330
1175-8805
DOI:10.1080/00288330.2011.561865