Energy content of macrobenthic invertebrates: general conversion factors from weight to energy
In: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. Elsevier: New York. ISSN 0022-0981; e-ISSN 1879-1697, more |  |
| Keywords | Energy content
Insect
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top | - Brey, T.
- Rumohr, H., more
- Ankar, S.
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| Abstract | Energy determinations are laborious and time-consuming. Average conversion factors based on different species form various areas and seasons may often be a shortcut for overcoming this problem. To establish general energy conversion factors for aquatic invertebrate groups, the authors used 376 values of J.mg-1DW and 255 values of J.mg-1 AFDW, representing 308 and 229 species, respectively. The dry-weight-to-energy factors were highly variable both within and between taxonomic groups, eg Porifera, 6.1 J.mg-1 DW; insect larvae, 22.4 J.mg-1 DW (median values). The energy-conversion factors related to AFDW showed a much smaller disperion with a minimum median value of 19.7 J.mg-1 AFDW (Ascidiacea) and a maximum of 23.8 J.mg-1 AFDW (insect larvae). Within taxonomic groups, the 95% confidence intervals (AFDW) were only a few percent of the median values. The use of energy-conversion factors based on AFDW is preferable due to their lower dispersion. For aquatic macrobenthic invertebrates, a general conversion factor of 23 J.mg-1 AFDW can be used. |
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