AN IMAGE-ANALYSIS TECHNIQUE TO DETERMINE THE SURFACE-AREA AND VOLUME FOR DISSECTED LEAVES OF AQUATIC MACROPHYTES

An application of image analysis (IA) for determining the surface area and volume of dissected, submerged leaves is described. Surface area and volume were estimated for artificially constructed leaves of varyi ng wire sizes ( 1 ) directly using calipers and (2) using an IA techni que. Accuracy of the technique was estimated by comparison of direct a nd IA measurements. We found that the size of the calibration standard used in the IA technique significantly affected the accuracy. The uti lity of this technique was then demonstrated using fresh Myriophyllum exalbescens Fem. leaves. The IA technique increases the rapidity in wh ich surface area and volume calculations can be made for dissected lea ves.