The genus Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae) in continental shelf waters of Argentina (Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, 38?55ºS)

ALMANDOZ G.O.; FERRARIO M.E.; FERREYRA G.A.; SCHLOSS I.R.; ESTEVES J.L.; PAPARAZZO F.E.

HARMFUL ALGAE

Elsevier

Año: 2007 vol. 6 p. 93 - 103

1568-9883

The distribution pattern of Pseudo-nitzschia species, associated phytoplankton flora and its relationships with main environmental factors were studied for the first time in continental shelf surface waters of the Argentine Sea (Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, 38?55ºS). Both qualitative and quantitative samples, collected during summer and fall 2003, were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. Results indicated that the genus Pseudo-nitzschia has a wide distribution along the studied area. It was present at low densities, with infrequent peak abundances and appeared most frequently as a minor component of the diatom populations that typically develop on the continental shelf of the Argentine Sea. Moreover, phytoplankton communities were numerically dominated by unidentified phytoflagellates (