Algal Ecology: Freshwater Benthic Ecosystem

by Elsevier Science

Overview

Algae are an important component of aquatic benthic ecosystems because they reflect the health of their environment through their density, abundance, and diversity. This comprehensive and authoritative text is divided into three sections to offer complete coverage of the discussion in this field. The first section introduces the locations of benthic algae in different ecosystems, like streams, large rivers, lakes, and other aquatic habitats. The second section is devoted to the various factors, both biotic and abiotic, that affect benthic freshwater algae. The final section of the book focuses on the role played by algae in a variety of complex freshwater ecosystems. As concern over environmental health escalates, the keystone and pivotal role played by algae is becoming more apparent. This volume in the Aquatic Ecology Series represents an important compilation of the latest research on the crucial niche occupied by algae in aquatic ecosystems.

• Presents algae as the important player in relation to environmental health
• Prepared by leading authorities in the field
• Includes comprehensive treatment of the functions of benthic algae as well as the factors that affect these important aquatic organisms
• Acts as an important reference for anyone interested in understanding and managing freshwater ecosystems

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780080526942
Publisher:	Elsevier Science
Publication date:	06/03/1996
Series:	Aquatic Ecology
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	753
File size:	14 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Dr. James H. Thorp is a professor and senior scientist at the University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS, United States). Prior to 2001, he was a distinguished professor and dean at Clarkson University, department chair and professor at the University of Louisville, associate professor and director of the Calder Ecology Center at Fordham University, and research ecologist at Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. He received his Baccalaureate from the University of Kansas and Masters and PhD degrees from North Carolina State. Prof. Thorp has been on the editorial board of three freshwater journals and is a former president of the International Society for River Science. His research interests run the gamut from organismal biology to community, ecosystem, and macrosystem ecology. While his research emphasizes aquatic invertebrates, he also studies fish ecology, especially food webs related. He has published more than 150 research articles and 10 books, including five volumes so far in the fourth edition of Thorp and Covich’s Freshwater Invertebrates.

Table of Contents

Patterns of Benthic Algae in Aquatic Ecosystems:
R.J. Stevenson, An Introduction to Algal Ecology in Freshwater Benthic Habitats.
B.J.F. Biggs, Patterns in Benthic Algae of Streams.
R.L. Lowe, PeriphytonPatterns in Lakes.
L.G. Goldsborough and G.G.C. Robinson, Pattern in Wetlands. Factors Affecting Benthic Algae:
W.R. Hill, Effects of Light.
D.M. DeNicola, Periphyton Responses to Temperature at Different Ecological Levels.
M.A. Borchardt, Nutrients.
P.V. McCormick, Resource Competition and Species Coexistence in Freshwater Benthic Algal Assemblages.
J.M. Burkholder, Interactions of Benthic Algae with Their Substrata.
N.C. Tuchman, The Role of Heterotrophyin Algae.
R.J. Stevenson, The Stimulation and Drag of Current.
A.D. Steinman, Effects of Grazers on Freshwater Benthic Algae.
C.G. Peterson, Response of Benthic Algal Communities to Natural Physical Disturbance.
R.B. Genter, Ecotoxicology of Inorganic Chemical Stress to Algae.
K.D. Hoaglund, J.P. Carder, and R.L. Spawn, Effects of Organic Toxic Substances.
D. Planas, Acidification Effects.
The Niche of Benthic Algae in Freshwater Ecosystems:
G.A. Lamberti, The Role of Periphyton in Benthic Food Webs.
T.L. Bott, Algae in Microscopic Food Webs.
P.J. Mulholland, Role in Nutrient Cycling in Streams.
R.G. Wetzel, Benthic Algae and Nutrient Cycling in Lentic Freshwater Ecosystems.
C.D. McIntire, S.V. Gregory, A.D. Steinman, and G.A. Lamberti, Modeling Benthic Algal Communities: An Example from Stream Ecology.
R.L. Lowe and Y. Pan, Benthic Algal Communities as Biological Monitors.
Taxonomic Index.
Subject Index.