Stream algal biomass at the Marcell Experimental Forest, 2012

This data publication provides attached algal (periphyton) biomass data found in outlet streams of catchments S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6 in July 2012 at Marcell Experimental Forest (MEF) in Itasca County, Minnesota. This short-term study was the first measurement of algal standing crops completed in each of the MEF catchments. Periphyton standing crop was measured using ceramic tiles submerged in outlet streams and allowed to colonize with attached algae for 30 days. Ancillary physical characteristics of the streams measured in situ during tile collection include current velocity, water temperature, pH, and conductivity. Algal biomass was determined via chlorophyll a analysis measured in the Aquatics Laboratory at the Northern Research Station Forestry Sciences Lab in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.Periphyton biomass data were collected to examine potential differences among Marcell Experimental Forest catchments differing in acidity levels, physical characteristics, and previous treatment history.