The effect of current velocity on epilithic algae.

Abstract

The effect of current velocity on epilithic algal communities in a stream ecosystem was examined following an experiment conducted in the Maple River, Emmet County, Michigan. The experiment was conducted between July 21, 1998 and August 7, 1998. Epilithic algae were sampled from rocks in both turbulent and sluggish sections of the river. Rocks from each area were then transplanted to an area of increased/decreased current velocity and allowed to acclimate for a period of ten days. The epilithic algae on these rocks was then sampled again to identify any changes that may have occurred due to a change in velocity. All other abiotic factors were standardized in this experiment to isolate current velocity as the dtermining factor of algal community structure in the biofilm exisitng on the substrate surface.