The absence of a rapid and inexpensive method for estimating macroinvertebrate individual biomass is a limit to the study of freshwater communities, given that traditional methods are time- and money-consuming. We propose an inexpensive method to quickly estimate individual biomass from video-recorded images of pond macroinvertebrates. We used a software that automatically measures several body dimensions (area, perimeter, minor and major axes) on each individual and linear regression to relate these body dimensions to dry weight. Area was found to be the best predictor of dry weight. The method allows individual measures of macroinvertebrates at a reasonable speed and accuracy, and may be useful for biomass size spectra or secondary production studies.
Bernardini, V., Solimini, A., Carchini, G.m. (2000). Application of an image analysis system to the determination of biomass (ash free dry weight) of pond macroinvertebrates. HYDROBIOLOGIA, 439, 179-182 [10.1023/A:1004153703748].
Application of an image analysis system to the determination of biomass (ash free dry weight) of pond macroinvertebrates
CARCHINI, GIAN MARIA
2000-01-01
Abstract
The absence of a rapid and inexpensive method for estimating macroinvertebrate individual biomass is a limit to the study of freshwater communities, given that traditional methods are time- and money-consuming. We propose an inexpensive method to quickly estimate individual biomass from video-recorded images of pond macroinvertebrates. We used a software that automatically measures several body dimensions (area, perimeter, minor and major axes) on each individual and linear regression to relate these body dimensions to dry weight. Area was found to be the best predictor of dry weight. The method allows individual measures of macroinvertebrates at a reasonable speed and accuracy, and may be useful for biomass size spectra or secondary production studies.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
