Model of the in vivo spectral absorption of algal pigments. Part 2. Practical applications of the model

The article describes applications and accuracy analyses of a statistical model of light absorption by phytoplankton that accounts for the influence of photo- and chromatic acclimation on its absorption properties. Part 1 of this work (seeWoźniak et al. 2000, this volume) describes the mathematical apparatus of the model. Earlier models by Woźniak & Ostrowska (1990) and by Bricaud et al. (1995, 1998) are analysed for comparison. Empirical verification of these three models shows that the new model provides a much better approximation of phytoplankton absorption properties than do the earlier models. The statistical errors in estimating the mean absorption coefficient apl, for example, are σ+ = 36% for the new model, whereas for the earlier models the figures are σ+ = 43% (Bricaud et al. 1995, 1998) and σ+ = 59% (Woźniak & Ostrowska 1990). Example applications are given of the new model illustrating the variability in phytoplankton absorption properties with depth and trophicity of the sea.