Planktonic biomass estimation in different ponds of the Sfax saltworks

Abstract

International audienceThe photosynthetic pigments analysed in different ponds of the Sfax saltworks, an artificial Tunisian lagoon, exhibited very low concentrations (less than 2 µg/l), indicative of the oligotrophic status of the lagoon. The planktonic biomass estimates using the particulate protein analysis in the same ecosystem were also low, but increased with increasing salinity along the saltworks. The protein concentrations in the 30 µm fraction, indicate the important role of hyperhalophile bacteria and ciliated protozoa in the basins with high salinity