The effect of distinct water masses in phytoplankton biomass size classes at the the Araçá Bay mouth region (São Sebastião channel - SP) during the summer and winter of 2012

• Grant number: 11/14984-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: April 01, 2012
• End date: October 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Oceanography - Biological Oceanography
• Principal Investigator: Aurea Maria Ciotti
• Grantee: Ana Luíza de Faria Peres
• Host Institution: Centro de Biologia Marinha (CEBIMAR). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Sebastião , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 11/50317-5 - Biodiversity and functioning of a subtropical coastal ecosystem: a contribution to integrated management, AP.BTA.TEM

Abstract

Phytoplankton biomass in coastal waters is largely controlled by local hydrographic conditions, which alters the light environment and nutritive conditions for phytoplankton growth. Moreover, local hydrodynamics and water masses residence times interfere on the spatial distribution and maintenance of plankton community locally. The São Sebastião channel and the Araçá bay are areas of ecological and economically interest, but there were few systematic studies conducted in this region up to now, specially concerning the primary producers. There are evidences for two main forcings modifying the hydrological characteristics of the São Sebastião channel, with potential effects on the structure of phytoplankton communities. Those represent eventual nutrient loads by the South Atlantic Central Waters (SACW), frequent during summer months, and the passage of frontal weather systems, more intense and frequent during winter. Alterations on the hydrodynamic of the channel my affect the water flow between the channel and coastal bays, such as the Araçá bay. This work aims to estimate the spatial/temporal variation of phytoplankton biomass, within three size classes (pico, nano and micro) and associate these results with distinct water mass present in the São Sebastião channel and the passage of frontal systems at the region. This study will improve the understanding of planktonic communities dynamics and may provide insights for future studies on their diversity in the region as well.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

PERES, Ana Luíza de Faria. The effect of distinct water masses in phytoplankton biomass size classes at the Araçá Bay mouth region (São Sebastião channel - SP) during the summer and winter of 2012. 2013. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC) Ribeirão Preto.