Methods to identify the release and sequestration of carbon from kelp

Due to the variable nature of fatty acids, we were limited in how the results of the laboratory degradation experiment could be related to the results from Irish Sea samples. In Chapter 4, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was explored as a metric of algal responses to environmental influences. In Experiment 1, a significant difference in DOC from S. latissima was found for temperature treatments, but not between oscillatory treatments.

In Experiment 2, we observed a seasonal difference in C:N ratios in algal tissue for both species which is consistent with previous research. Despite analytical setbacks, we proved the concept of an experimental design that studies the concurrent effects of oscillatory motion and seawater temperature across species and seasons. These findings show the contribution of carbon from kelp to the environment is complex.

Sample type can impact the efficacy of different analysis methods, and environmental variables can impact both the initial release of carbon from macroalgae, and the way it accumulates in marine sediments. <br>