Growth and physiological features of Chaetomorpha linum (Müller) Kütz. in high density mats. Issue 2 (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sorce, Carlo; Persiano Leporatti, Marco; Lenzi, Mauro
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 129:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 772
• Page End: 781
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Chaetomorpha linum -- Photosynthetic pigments -- Photosynthetic efficiency -- Eutrophication -- Lagoon -- Macroalgal blooms; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.10.071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Seasonal changes of high density Chaetomorpha linum mats were studied in an eutrophic coastal lagoon. We measured biomass and specific growth rate and analyzed water quality, sediment labile organic matter (LOM), photosynthetic efficiency and pigments in two areas: one subjected to sediment resuspension and algal mass shuffling through specific boats and the other left undisturbed. Low disturbance enhanced algal survival under critical summer conditions, by reducing LOM and promoting growth through thalli fragmentation. Chaetomorpha linum grew fast and quickly acclimated its physiology to adverse conditions, although the mat underlayer showed low photosynthetic efficiency. Nevertheless, the ability to respond to the adverse environment was not sufficient to prevent the sudden algal decay, which occurred following a prolonged summer stress. Present results may help to plan the lagoon management through boat operations, to attain a more effective control over the algal growth and a more efficient removal of the mat. Highlights: Chaetomorpha linum may quickly acclimate its physiology to adverse conditions. C. linum showed a low photosynthetic efficiency, despite acclimation to low irradiance. C. linum mat decay can occur suddenly, despite the good physiological parameters. Thalli fragmentation may promote algal mat growth when mat frequency disturbance is low. Low mixing frequency of a high density mat can enhance the survival in summer conditions.