Detecting photosynthetic algal pigments in natural populations using a high-spectral-resolution spectroradiometer

Reflectance data from a high spectral resolution spectroradiometer were obt ained onboard a ship in Plymouth coastal waters. These data were analysed t o detect algal photosynthetic accessory pigments for comparison with absorp tion spectra as measured in the laboratory by a spectrophotometer. The over all spectral characteristics of Plymouth waters allowed identification as t o population composition, Derivative analysis of the spectra was used to re solve characteristic peaks of specific pigments. It was determined that chl orophyll pigments, a specific carotenoid and sea water absorption bands wer e detectable in the reflectance data. Absorption bands of photosynthetic an d accessory pigments were assessed through chromatographic pigment analysis .