Subtle biological responses to increased CO2 concentrations by Phaeocystis globosa Scherffel, a harmful algal bloom species

摘要: [1] Recent investigations into the role of carbon dioxide on phytoplankton growth and composition have clearly shown differential effects among species assemblages, suggesting that increases in oceanic CO2 may play a critical structuring lower trophic levels marine systems future. Furthermore, alarming occurrence harmful algal blooms (HABs) coastal waters been observed, while not uniform systems, appear some manner to be linked human impacts (eutrophication) systems. Models HABs are their infancy do at present include sophisticated biological or environmental controls. Here we show subtle responses occur HAB Phaeocystis globosa Scherffel as result enrichment induced by gentle bubbling. The alga, which has polymorphic life history involving formation both colonies solitary cells, exhibited altered rates colonial forms [CO2] 750 ppm, well increased colony formation. In addition, substantial modifications elemental photosynthetic constituents cells (C cell �1 ,Nc ell , potential quantum yield, chl ) occurred under elevated concentrations compared those found levels. contrast, other individual population variables (e.g., diameter, total chlorophyll concentration, carbon/nitrogen ratio) were unaffected CO2. Our results suggest predictions future ecosystems local biogeochemistry need carefully examine this alga addition community ecosystem effects. Citation: Wang, Y., W. O. Smith Jr., X. S. Li (2010), Subtle Scherffel, bloom species, Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L09604,