Surface and Subsurface Properties of Aquatic Ecosystems

Abstract

The surface microlayer (SML) is the dividing border  between the air and water surface. It has physical, chemical and biological properties which are distinctly from subsurface layer (SSL) waters. As its unique place between the air- water, the SML has remained in a distinct research corner. Surface microlayer is characterized by the capacity to accumulate of organic chemical compounds specially proteins, carbohydrates and lipid. The presence of such as energy-rich organic matters in the surface microlayer creates distinct condition for the accumulation and development of aerobic bacteria mainly heterotrophic bacteria forming bacterio-neuston