Effects of elevated temperature and CO2 on intertidal microphytobenthos.
BMC Ecol
; 15: 10, 2015 Apr 01.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-25888307
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Microphytobenthos (MPB) are the main primary producers of many intertidal and shallow subtidal environments. Although these coastal ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic activities, little is known on the effects of climate change variables on the structure and productivity of MPB communities. In this study, the effects of elevated temperature and CO2 on intertidal MPB biomass, species composition and photosynthetic performance were studied using a flow-through experimental life support system.RESULTS:
Elevated temperature had a detrimental effect on MPB biomass and photosynthetic performance under both control and elevated CO2. Furthermore, elevated temperature led to an increase of cyanobacteria and a change in the relative abundance of major benthic diatom species present in the MPB community. The most abundant motile epipelic species Navicula spartinetensis and Gyrosigma acuminatum were in part replaced by tychoplanktonic species (Minidiscus chilensis and Thalassiosira cf. pseudonana) and the motile epipelic Nitzschia cf. aequorea and N. cf. aurariae. Elevated CO2 had a beneficial effect on MPB biomass, but only at the lower temperature. It is possible that elevated CO2 alleviated local depletion of dissolved inorganic carbon resulting from high cell abundance at the sediment photic layer. No significant effect of elevated CO2 was detected on the relative abundance of major groups of microalgae and benthic diatom species.CONCLUSIONS:
The interactive effects of elevated temperature and CO2 may have an overall detrimental impact on the structure and productivity of intertidal MPB, and eventually in related ecosystem services.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Temperatura
/
Mudança Climática
/
Dióxido de Carbono
/
Diatomáceas
/
Ecossistema
Idioma:
En
Revista:
BMC Ecol
Assunto da revista:
SAUDE AMBIENTAL
Ano de publicação:
2015
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Dinamarca