Oxygen Production by the Diatom Coscinodiscus Excentricus Ehr. in Relation to Submarine Illumination in the English Channel

Abstract

1. A method, due to Poole & Atkins, is described for computing the total available energy at any depth in the sea, in joules or g.-cal.2. The oxygen production of pure cultures of the diatom Coscinodiscus excentricus Ehr. was measured by the Winkler method after exposure of the diatoms in bottles at known depths in the sea. 3. The results of simultaneous measurements of oxygen production and of energy are given for 6 days in July and August 1933 and 1934.4. Factors, other than light, that might affect the rate of oxygen production in the experiments are discussed and shown to be negligible. It is assumed that diatoms can use energy for photosynthesis equally well in all parts of the visible spectrum.5. When the energy flux during the exposures is less than 75 joules or i-8 g.-cal. per cm.2 per hr., the oxygen production is directly proportional to the energy. The utilization of the available energy then amounts to about 7%.