Two - stages bloom of Margalefidinium cf. polykrikoides in a Mediterranean shallow bay (Ionian Sea, Italy). (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roselli, Leonilde; Vadrucci, Maria Rosaria; Belmonte, Manuela; Ciciriello, Pierangelo; Rubino, Fernando; Ungaro, Nicola; Caroppo, Carmela
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 151(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Bloom -- Dinoflagellates -- Margalefidinium cf. polykrikoides -- Shallow bay -- Mediterranean Sea; 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.2019.110825
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: The emergence of a red tide resulting in yellow-brownish discoloration of waters in Porto Cesareo bay (Italy) during July–August 2018 is reported. The species responsible for the bloom was the dinoflagellate Margalefidinium cf. polykrikoides . Cell densities reached 9.1 × 10 6 cells L − 1 during the initial outbreak. A second peak was observed about three weeks later reaching 6.7 × 10 5 cells L − 1 . Study of live specimens showed great variation in cell size and shape. Different cyst morphotypes were found in the water samples and in the sediment. For the first time, we followed several stages of the life cycle of M. cf. polykrikoides in natural samples. Fish die-offs in the bay were not observed, however this high-density bloom may have caused consequences on the ecosystem (amount of mucilage on the beach) and in turn, on tourism that is the main activity in the area during the summer season. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: Margalefidinium cf. polykrikoides two - stages blooms in the Mediterranean Sea. Exceptional yellow-brownish discoloration of the waters in a shallow bay (Northern Ionian Sea) Morphological observations, cell and cysts density were reported. Bloom dynamics of Margalefidinium cf. polykrikoides .