Dynamics of soluble extracellular polymeric substances and transparent exopolymer particle pools in coastal ecosystems.

The article discusses a study of the dynamics of soluble extracellular polymeric substances (S-EPS) and transparent exopolymer particle (TEP) pools in coastal ecosystems. In particular, time series of S-EPS and TEP fractions were studied in natural phytoplankton assemblages at the Bay des Veys and Lingreville-sur Mer, two macrotidal sites in the English Channel. The link between TEP production and phytoplankton and nutrient dynamics in spring and summer is suggested. Also noted is the impact of hydrodynamic forcings on TEP concentration variations in autumn and winter. It concludes that the origins of TEP and S-EPS are different as indicated by the different production patterns.