Ultrastructural observations on the marine fouling diatom Amphora

Abstract

Ecological and Scanning electron microscope (S. E. M.) studies indicated that the diatom Amphora was an important constituent in the initial colonization of test panels coated with a copper antifouling composition. Amphora was also found as the dominant fouling diatom species on paint samples from "in-service" supertankers and yachts. Associated with the diatom was copious amounts of mucilaginous material, which often encapsulated the cells. Histochemical analysis of the mucilage indicates that it is predominantly polysaccharide in nature. Using the Transmission electron microscope (T. E. M.) and electron microscope cytochemistry the intracellular origin of the adhesive was investigated. T. E. M. and S. E. M. observations of acid-cleaned-cells indicate that the mucilage may be secreted through specialized regions of the frustule. Material isolated from antifouling panels was compared with laboratory cultured Amphora spp. for copper resistance and internal accumulation using TEMSCAN - X ray analytical equipment. © 1980 Biologische Anstalt Helgoland.