Sphagnum mat algal analysis and general algal survey of Bryant Bog.

Abstract

Sites were flagged at the beginning of the Sphagnum mat, 7 meters in, 18 meters in, and 28 meters in. The pH and canopy cover were measured at each site. The pH showed a definite cline, decreasing from the outside in. Canopy cover was not in a cline but varied greatly from site to site. Sphagnum squeezes were taken at each site, and the relative abundances measured. A 0 meters, Oedogonium and Microspora dominated. At 7 meters Cosmarium was the dominant genus. At 18 meters Cylindocystis dominated, and at 28 meters Euglena dominated. A plankton tow was made, and was dominated by Hyalotheca and Oedogonium, and Frustulia was the dominant diatom. There were several distinct microhabitats in the eye and moat, each with their own relative abundances.