Factors influencing the spatial and temporal distributions of green algae micro-propagules in the coastal waters of Jinmenghaiwan, Qinhuangdao, China

Since 2015, green tides have impacted the coastal waters of Qinhuangdao, particularly at Jinmenghaiwan bath. Micro-propagules are considered the seed bank of algal blooms and play an important role in the formation of green tides. To investigate the spatial and temporal distributions of micro-propagules of green algae and associated environmental factors, a field survey was carried out in the coastal waters of Jinmenghaiwan, Qinhuangdao, China. The results showed that the NO3-N concentration was the most important impact factor of the abundance of micro-propagules and explained 42.9% of the total variance. Furthermore, the number of micropropagules was significantly and positively correlated with the biomass of attached and floating macroalgae. Therefore, reducing the NO3-N concentration by controlling the NO3-N input from Tang River is expected to be an effective measure to prevent and control green tides in the coastal waters of Qinhuangdao.

Automated summary

This study investigated the distribution of micro-propagules of green algae and associated environmental factors in the coastal waters of Qinhuangdao. The results showed that the concentration of NO3-N was the most important factor influencing the abundance of micro-propagules. Additionally, the number of micro-propagules was positively correlated with the biomass of attached and floating macroalgae.