The effects of different environmental factors on the biochemical composition of particulate organic matter in Gwangyang Bay, South Korea

摘要: Abstract. The biochemical composition of particulate organic matter (POM) produced through phytoplankton photosynthesis is important in determining food quality for planktonic consumers as well the physiological conditions phytoplankton. Major environmental factors controlling were seasonally investigated Gwangyang Bay, South Korea, which has only natural (e.g., no artificial dams). Water samples compositions obtained from three different light depths (100, 30, and 1 %) mainly at sites Bay April 2012 to April 2013. Different classes (carbohydrates, CHO; proteins, PRT; lipids, LIP) extracted, then concentrations determined by optical density measured with a spectrophotometer. highest lowest PRT among found April 2012 (58.0 %) August 2012 (21.2 %), whereas LIP (49.0 %) (24.8 %), respectively. CHO was recorded high January 2013 remained above 25 % during study period. calorific contents material (FM) ranged 1.0 6.1 Kcal m−3 (annual average ± SD  =  2.8 ± 1.1 Kcal m−3). Based on Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis, major governing factor POM dissolved inorganic nitrogen loading river input Bay. In conclusion, relatively larger amount FM higher this compared other regions reflected good nutritive sustaining productive shellfish fish populations Continuous observations are needed monitor marine ecosystem response potential perturbations