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Biomass measurements and weight-to-weight conversion factors: A comparison of methods applied to the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis
Palmeirim, P.; Bianchi, C.N. (1994). Biomass measurements and weight-to-weight conversion factors: A comparison of methods applied to the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mar. Biol. (Berl.) 120(2): 273-277. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00349688
In: Marine Biology: International Journal on Life in Oceans and Coastal Waters. Springer: Heidelberg; Berlin. ISSN 0025-3162; e-ISSN 1432-1793, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keywords
    Ash content
    Conversion factors
    Fauna > Aquatic organisms > Aquatic animals > Shellfish > Marine organisms > Marine molluscs
    Methodology
    Population characteristics > Biomass
    Properties > Physical properties > Weight > Dry weight
    Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819 [WoRMS]
    MED, Italy [Marine Regions]; MED, Ligurian Sea [Marine Regions]
    Marine/Coastal

Authors  Top 
  • Palmeirim, P.
  • Bianchi, C.N.

Abstract
    Wet weight to ash-free dry weight conversion factors were calculated for the bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck; specimens were collected in November 1989 in the Magra Estuary (eastern Ligurian Sea, Italy). Ash-free dry weight was determined by four different methods: (A) mechanical separation of shell and body; (B) shell dissolution with HCl; (C) dissolution of organic matter with NaClO; (D) incineration of the whole organism. The results obtained by these four methods were significantly different, indicating that caution is necessary when comparing biomass data obtained by different methods. Incineration and decalcification with HCl seem to be the best procedures: they not only combine accuracy with speed, but are also the most universally applicable, being equally suitable for soft-bodied or hard-bodied organisms. Mechanical separation can lead to an underestimation of the biomass, whereas treatment with NaClO can lead to its overestimation. However, no method can be considered the best in absolute terms, the final choice depending on the particular weight measurement required (e.g. shell-free dry weight) and the nature of the organism concerned (e.g. an organism with a large carbonate content)

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