Phytoplankton Studies Within the Virginia Barrier Islands. III. Phytoplankton Composition in a Saline Pond on Smith Island

• Main Author: Marshall, Harold G.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: ODU Digital Commons 1983
• Subjects: Phytoplankton; Smith Island pond; Dinoflagellates; Nanoplankters; Eutrophic habitats; Marine Biology; Barrier Islands; Smith Island; Island Pond
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/biology_fac_pubs/115; https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1133&context=biology_fac_pubs

The phytoplankton that characterized the Smith Island pond was diverse, with several species of diatoms, dinoflagellates and blue-green algae dominant throughout the year. A total of 146 spp. were noted, predominantly composed of ultra and nanoplankters, that includes representatives from coastal waters. The island ponds are considered eutrophic habitats whose composition is influenced by overwash conditions and in turn introduce populations to surrounding pools and water channels.