Contrasting effects of rising CO2 on primary production and ecological stoichiometry at different nutrient levels. (12th May 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Verspagen, Jolanda M. H.; Van de Waal, Dedmer B.; Finke, Jan F.; Visser, Petra M.; Huisman, Jef; Grover, James
• Is Part Of: Ecology letters. Volume 17:Number 8(2014:Aug.)
• Page Start: 951
• Page End: 960
• Publication Date: 2014-05-12
• Subjects: Ecology -- Periodicals; 577
• DOI: 10.1111/ele.12298
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-023X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="ele12298-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Although rising CO₂ concentrations are thought to promote the growth and alter the carbon : nutrient stoichiometry of primary producers, several studies have reported conflicting results. To reconcile these contrasting results, we tested the following hypotheses: rising CO₂ levels (1) will increase phytoplankton biomass more at high nutrient loads than at low nutrient loads, but (2) will increase their carbon : nutrient stoichiometry more at low than at high nutrient loads. We formulated a mathematical model to predict dynamic changes in phytoplankton population density, elemental stoichiometry and inorganic carbon chemistry in response to rising CO₂. The model was tested in chemostat experiments with the freshwater cyanobacterium <italic>Microcystis aeruginosa</italic>. The model predictions and experimental results confirmed the hypotheses. Our findings provide a novel theoretical framework to understand and predict effects of rising CO₂ concentrations on primary producers and their nutritional quality as food for herbivores under different nutrient conditions.</p> </abstract>