CoBOP: Microbial Biofilms: A Parameter Altering the Apparent Optical Properties of Sediments, Seagrasses and Surfaces

Decho, Alan W

CoBOP: Microbial Biofilms: A Parameter Altering the Apparent Optical Properties of Sediments, Seagrasses and Surfaces

1998

Decho, Alan W

The long-term goal of my research is to understand the optical properties of microbial biofilms, which form coatings on sediments and other surfaces in coastal oceans. The specific project goals are to determine how biofilm coatings may influence (i.e., alter) optical spectra of surfaces through reflection, refractance and fluorescence. This project is a part of the CoBOP (Coastal Ocean Benthic Optical Properties) initiative in the Environmental Optics Program. The objective of year two was to perform the first component of our field-study at Lee Stocking Island, in association with the CoBOP Sediment Group. Our specific objectives were: (1) to survey and sample a range of sediment field sites having different sediment and seagrass characteristics; (2) quantify exopolymer concentrations in these sediments; (3) conduct initial laboratory manipulative experiments geared toward characterizing specific chemical properties of exopolymers, which may potentially alter optical spectra.

Показать больше [+]