Effect of temperature on photosynthetic physiology and the kinetics of nutrient absorption in Zostera caespitosa

Abstract

The ecological fabric of coastal zones is intricately linked to the vitality of seagrass meadows, with Zostera caespitosa serving as a foundational species. Integral to biodiversity conservation and the carbon cycle, these ecosystems are facing unprecedented thermal stress due to global warming. Our research delves into the temperature-dependent physiological responses of Z. caespitosa, focusing on growth rates, photosynthetic activity, and nutrient uptake dynamics across varying thermal regimes. We pinpoint an optimal temperature window of 10–20 °C for these critical physiological processes. These findings not only chart a course for the protective measures of seagrass beds but also furnish pivotal data for predictive models assessing the resilience of these ecosystems under climatic fluctuations. The insights gained offer a strategic advantage for the restoration and stewardship of seagrass habitats, informing climate change mitigation strategies, biodiversity preservation, and the sustained provision of ecosystem services along coastal frontiers. This research, by bridging gaps in our ecological understanding, underscores the imperative of nuanced ecosystem management in an era of changing global temperatures.