The analysis of marine algae photosynthetic pigments by high performance liquid chromatography

A method of analysis of the photosynthetic pigments of in vitro algal cultures, using reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is described. This technique was extended to analysis of photosynthetic pigments in samples from the SIBEX-I Expedition; a preconcentration technique was developed to allow a reduction in sample volume for waters of low productivity. HPLC analysis allows accurate chlorophyll a determinations to be made in the presence of the spectrally similar chlorophyllide a, which has been found to be the major chlorophyll a breakdown product present in natural waters. Comparative studies with the SCOR-UNESCO method have shown that as a result of chlorophyllide interference the chlorophyll a concentrations are in fact over-estimates to varying degrees depending on the productivity of the biomass. In addition, quantification of chlorophylls b and c and the carotenoid complement allows identification of the major algal species present, and provides an indication of the physiological status of the bloom.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Chemistry

Year dc:date.issued

1984

Author dc:creator

• Bacon, Elizabeth Jane

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Orren, M J

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/17047

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/17047