Optimal Method for Biomass Estimation in a Cladoceran Species, Daphnia Magna (Straus, 1820): Evaluating Length–Weight Regression Equations and Deriving Estimation Equations Using Body Length, Width and Lateral Area

Doyeong Ku, Yeon-Ji Chae, Yerim Choi, Chang Woo Ji, Young-Seuk Park, Ihn-Sil Kwak, Yong-Jae Kim, Kwang-Hyeon Chang and Hye-Ji Oh
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Doyeong Ku: Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea
Yeon-Ji Chae: Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea
Yerim Choi: Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea
Chang Woo Ji: Fisheries Science Institute, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, Korea
Young-Seuk Park: Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
Ihn-Sil Kwak: Department of Ocean Integrated Science, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, Korea
Yong-Jae Kim: Department of Life Science, Daejin University, Pocheon 11159, Korea
Kwang-Hyeon Chang: Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea
Hye-Ji Oh: Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 15, 1-10

Abstract: Assessing the biomass of zooplankton compensates for the difference between number of individuals and the accumulated body weight of the community, which helps assess aquatic ecosystem food web functions. Daphnia are crustaceans that play an intermediate role in biological interactions within food webs. The morphology and body specification of Daphnia differ during growth; hence, it is essential to apply species-specific equations to estimate biomass. We evaluated the length–weight regression equations used previously to estimate Daphnia magna biomass and conducted regression analyses using various body specifications and biomass measurements taken directly using devices such as a microbalance and microscopic camera. Biomass estimated using an equation from the Environmental Protection Agency was significantly different from the direct measurement: average biomass was lower, indicating that the equation possibly underestimated actual biomass. The biomass of D. magna had a higher multiple R 2 value when length was compared with width and area, and a linear regression equation was the most suitable equation for biomass estimation. Because body specifications and biomass are affected by various environmental factors, the development of accurate species-specific biomass estimation equations will contribute to obtaining fundamental data with which the biological responses of zooplankton to aquatic ecosystem changes can be assessed.

Keywords: Daphnia; biomass estimation; dry weight; prosome length; carapace width; lateral area; length–weight linear regression (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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