Field spectrometry: New methods to investigate epilithic micro-algae on rocky shores

Absorptions due to chlorophylls a, b and c, carotenoids and the phycobiliproteins phycoerythrin, phycocyanin and allophycocyanin were identified. The techniques described here enable estimation of amounts of chlorophyll-a and the detection of several other pigments. Thus, investigations of microflora in studies of succession, biofilms or grazing in intertidal habitats can be enhanced by field spectrometry.