Macroalgal biomass and species composition as indicators of water quality in two north carolina tidal creeks

摘要

Biomass of macroalgae growing on tile substrates placed sub-tidally in tow tidal creeks, Pages and Futch creeks, in southeastern North Carolina was measured over four month periods in the winters of 1994-1995 and 1996-1997. Macroalgae collected for biomass measurement were also identified to species And catgorized according to their tolerance of nutrient loading. Maximum mac- Roalgal biomass on tiles was significantly greater in Futch Creek than in Pages Creek, but did nto change during the two year interval. Incidence of pollution- Tolerant macroalgae species was greater in Futch Creek the winter of 1994-1995, But was similar for the two creeks the winter of 1996-1997. These results sug- Gested that although nutrient loading in the area may have increased during the Two year interval, dredging of the mouth of Futch Creek in 1996, to improve Flushing, may have prevented further water quality deterioration.