Effects of turbulence on algal cell aggregation

Several annular flumes are being used to test the effect of different levels of turbulence on algal cell aggregation. The large size of the annular flumes is particularly useful for inducing very low levels of turbulence on an algal culture. The hypothesis specifically tests the range of turbulence most favorable for algal cell aggregation wherein the focus is on the cellular exudates that are thought to be the primary source of cell stickiness. As larger cell aggregates generally descend through the water column faster than smaller aggregates (or single cells), the results of this research are expected to help develop a more accurate estimate of carbon export from the ocean surface.