Total chlorophyll content and leaf area index of three sea grass species in meadows of different siltation regimes

Seagrassess

Bibliographic Details

Main Author:	Fontanilla, Riell P
Format:	Thesis
Language:	English
Published:	2017.
Subjects:	Seagrasses are agiosperms that live from brackish to salty waters. They provide numerous ecosystem services but are subject to threats such as siltation that decreases light availability. This study measured the TCC(Total Chlorophyll content) and LAI (Leaf Area Index) of 3 seagrass species growing in four meadows in TINMAR, Guimaras of different siltation levels. Leaf Area Index was determined using the method by Rotini et al. (2011), TCC after Phillips and McRoy (1990), and siltation rates measured following the method of Miyajima et al. (1998). Siltation in 4 seagrass meadows varied from 0.005 to 0.004 g cm-2 day-1. L:AI of all species did not show significant correlations but E. acoroides. Increased siltation decreases light levels available for seagrass' photosynthesis and this study suggests that at least for T. hemprichii and C. rotundata these seagrass species compensates through increased TCC. The study recommends quantifying other abiotic factors that can also affect light availability and could similarly influence seagrass morphology and physiology.