Mireille Consalvey PhD Thesis - University of St Andrews

5.1.2. Aims
The aims of the work were to:
ilivestwatiOrl IIIM 1111cl'optivtobelithic llli,, IýIlloll tlsijqý F,
1) Determine the migratory patterns of microphytobenthic cells under changing
ambient conditions
2) To determine if the taxonomic composition of the biofilm influences the
migratory response.
5.2. Materials and Methods
5.2.1. Tagus Estuary (Portugal)
Cores were collected at low tide from the mid shore region of Sarilhos
Pequenos on the Tagus Estuary (April 2001). The site was primarily diatom
dominated (pers. obs). The exposure period of the core collection site was
determined to be 9h (560 min). The cores were transported back to the
laboratory and placed in a tank (Figure 5.1). Tidal tank facilities were not
available, but cores were sprayed with salt water from the site and darkened at
the time corresponding to the in situ high tide. The cores remained covered for
the subsequent overnight period.
Water tank
(shallow sides to avoid shading)
Water level p, HIM-111"111-IM 114- PARS ensor
Figure 5.1. Experimental design (Lisbon)
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