Date of Award

Spring 2026

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Department

Marine Science

First Advisor

James L. Pinckney

Abstract

As key drivers of neritic primary productivity, benthic microalgae (BMA) play essential roles in biogeochemical cycling and estuarine food webs. When considered alongside their shallow, restricted habitats, BMA contribute disproportionately to global carbon fixation. However, the extent of human impact on BMA communities is largely unknown. This study aimed to quantify anthropogenic forcing through specific abiotic drivers of benthic microalgal success. BMA biomass, community composition, porewater nutrients, and sediment composition were measured within two South Carolina Estuaries. North Inlet and Murrells Inlet share similar geographic and morphological characteristics but differ significantly in terms of watershed population. Dissolved phosphate, nitrate, and ammonium were measured spectrophotometrically and fluorometrically. Grain size distributions were collected using standard sorting methods. BMA biomass was quantified fluorometrically, and community composition was determined using a Flowcam and EcoTaxa. Murrells Inlet sites had distinct BMA communities and lower biomass, possibly due to anthropogenic forcings that led to larger grain assemblages and higher phosphate concentrations. Understanding the anthropogenic drivers of BMA structure and distribution provides key insights into the potential abiotic regulation of spatio-temporal patterns of BMA in estuarine intertidal sediments.

Rights

©2026, Henry Christopher Guy

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