Variations in the spectral values of specific absorption of phytoplankton
Abstract
Absorption spectra of laboratory cultures of eight species of phytoplankton were studied. These spectra, normalized per unit of chlorophyll a concentration (specific absorption) show variability in magnitude and spectral form. Specific absorption at 440 nm varied over a factor of three. Spectra of phytoplankton belonging to the same taxonomic group tended to have similar forms. Over 95% of the variability in specific absorption could be explained in terms of changes in cell size, intracellular pigment concentration, and the relative importance of auxiliary pigments. Shape was not an important factor for this sample set.
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