Journal
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
Volume 187, Issue -, Pages -Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.105950
Keywords
Algal blooms; Bioindicators; Beta diversity; Coastal waters; Environmental protection; Functional traits; Mesotidal estuaries; Phytoplankton ecology
Ask authors/readers for more resources
This study investigated the beta-diversity and functional traits of phytoplankton indicators associated with environmental heterogeneity, and used them as environmental quality descriptors in a tropical river-to-sea ecosystem. The results showed that environmental heterogeneity contributed to biological heterogeneity, with sporadic and recurrent blooms reflecting a reduction in alpha-diversity. Salinity acted as an environmental filter that governed the community structure and dynamics.
beta-diversity and functional traits of phytoplankton indicators associated with environmental heterogeneity were investigated as environmental quality descriptors in coastal (CS), estuarine (ES), and limnetic (LS) sectors in a tropical river-to-sea ecosystem. Results showed that environmental heterogeneity was marked by spatial differences, contributing to biological heterogeneity. Sporadic and recurrent blooms were associated with environmental spatiotemporal variations and reflected a reduction in ES alpha-diversity. Salinity acted as an environmental filter that governed the structure and dynamics of the community. The spatial heterogeneity and high turnover of phytoplankton resulted in reliable bioindicators selection. Colonial, bloom-forming and harmful species were associated with highly suspended particulate matter (SPM) because these species are better adapted to these conditions. Species small in size were associated with high concentrations of silicate and chlorophyll-a in the ES because of the occurrence of diatom recurrent blooms. Most flagellates indicators genera have bloomforming potential. Integrating morphofunctional with taxonomic approaches enabled detailed observations of environmental filters, supporting the selection of priority species and areas for introducing biodiversity monitoring programs and conservation in tropical ecosystems.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available