Intense Blooms Research Articles

A novel qPCR-based method to quantify seven phyla of common algae in freshwater and its application in water sources

The light microscope is widely used to count algae, however, there are some disadvantages associated with this method, such as time consuming and laborious. In this study, a qPCR-based method was established for quantifying seven phyla of common algae in freshwater, including Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, Euglenophyta, Bacillariophyta, Dinophyta, Cryptophyta, and Chrysophyta. The accuracy of qPCR in estimating algal cells was confirmed by comparing it with the microscopic counting. The qPCR was used to detect the cell concentration of seven phyla of algae in Longhu Reservoir, showing that green algal blooms occurred during the monitoring period. The intensity of algal blooms was further evaluated according to the classification standard, which suggested that the grade of this bloom was mild. An early warning system was proposed to early warn the occurrence of algal blooms in two water sources, Longhu Reservoir and Dongzhang Reservoir. The qPCR method developed in this study could be a useful tool in the monitoring of algae. The early warning system reported here will have important implications for the effective warning of algal blooms.

Elevated temperature mitigates the prolonged effect of high nitrogen on Microcystis aeruginosa removal through mixotrophic Ochromonas gloeopara grazing

Cyanobacterial blooms are increasingly threatening the aquatic ecosystem functioning as a result of the global warming and eutrophication. The “top-down” control of cyanobacteria from consumers like the protozoans shows great potential because of the effectiveness and environment-friendliness. To reveal how the nutrition availability and elevated temperature affect the cyanobacteria removal through protozoans grazing, we grew the toxic Microcystis aeruginosa and the mixotrophic Ochromonas gloeopara in monocultures and cocultures at environmentally relevant nitrogen levels (0.5–8.0 mg L−1) under 25 °C and 30 °C, respectively. The growth of M. aeruginosa in monocultures was significantly enhanced as nitrogen concentration and temperature rose, partially benefitting from the promoted photosynthesis. By contrast, nitrogen availability affected neither the photoautotrophic growth nor the feeding on Microcystis of the mixotrophic O. gloeopara, but high temperature induced the mixotroph to be more heterotrophic as evidenced by the suppressed photosynthesis but strengthened feeding activity. Accordingly, the M. aeruginosa removal through O. gloeopara grazing in cocultures was delayed with increasing nitrogen, which, however, was sharply accelerated by elevated temperature. Based on the Gaussian models fitting, the theoretical time that the Microcystis was removed at 25 °C was prolonged from about 7.5 days to 10 days with increased nitrogen, but it was reduced to less than 4.6 days in all groups at 30 °C. While the intensity of Microcystis blooms is strongly positively correlated to the nutrition availability and temperature, the present study provided references for the practical application of Microcystis removal through grazing outdoors.

Seagrass in a Changing Estuary, the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, United States

Seagrass is a major structural habitat in the Indian River Lagoon. Maps documented locations and areal extents of beds periodically since the 1940s, and surveys of fixed transects yielded changes in percent cover and depths at the end of the canopy since 1994. Areal extent increased by ∼7,000 ha from 1994 to 2009, mean percent cover within beds decreased from ∼40 to 20%, and mean percent cover standardized to maximum transect length remained near 20%. Thus, conditions supported a consistent biomass because cover decreased as areal extent increased. Between 2011 and 2019, ∼19,000 ha or ∼58% of seagrasses were lost, with offshore ends of canopies moving shoreward and shallower, and standardized mean percent cover decreased to ∼4%. These changes coincided with blooms of phytoplankton, and ≤ 27% of incident subsurface irradiance at 0.9 m was stressful. Decreases in mean percent cover per month of stress became larger when initial mean cover per transect was < 20%, which suggested that the ratio of aboveground to belowground tissues in the expanded and sparser beds led to respiratory demand that was not met by photosynthesis. Despite intermittent improvements in light penetration, widespread recovery of seagrasses has not occurred potentially due to detrimental feedbacks. For example, loss of seagrass exposed sediments to waves, and the resulting disturbance may have hampered recruitment of new shoots. The same decreases also made 58–88% of the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in seagrass tissue available to other primary producers. These nutrients did not enhance growth of epiphytes, whose biomass decreased by ∼42%, but they apparently fueled blooms of phytoplankton, with mean chlorophyll-a concentrations increasing by > 900%. Such intense blooms increased shading and loss of seagrasses. Fortunately, data showed that patches of seagrasses at depths of 0.5–0.9 m persisted for 22–24 years, which suggested that this depth zone could hold the key to recovery. Nevertheless, optimistic estimates predict recovery could take 12–17 years. Such a long-term, widespread loss of a key structural habitat may generate multiple adverse effects in the system, and mitigating such effects may entail planting seagrasses to accelerate recovery.

Neuropathological Mechanisms of β-N-Methylamino-L-Alanine (BMAA) with a Focus on Iron Overload and Ferroptosis.

The incidence of neurodegenerative diseases and cyanobacterial blooms is concomitantly increasing worldwide. The cyanotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is produced by most of the Cyanobacteria spp. This cyanotoxin is described as a potential environmental etiology factor for some sporadic neurodegenerative diseases. Climate change and eutrophication significantly increase the frequency and intensity of cyanobacterial bloom in water bodies. This review evaluates different neuropathological mechanisms of BMAA at molecular and cellular levels and compares the related studies to provide some useful recommendations. Additionally, the structure and properties of BMAA as well as its microbial origin, especially by gut bacteria, are also briefly covered. Unlike previous reviews, we hypothesize the possible neurotoxic mechanism of BMAA through iron overload. We also discuss the involvement of BMAA in excitotoxicity, TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) translocation and accumulation, tauopathy, and other protein misincorporation and misfolding.

Species-specific monitoring of Skeletonema blooms in the coastal waters of Ariake Sound, Japan

Skeletonema is a cosmopolitan diatom observed in coastal waters that forms extensive blooms, largely underpinning coastal ecosystems and fisheries. Recent revisions to the phylogeny of Skeletonema have shown multiple pseudocryptic species within the type species S. costatum. We developed a novel species-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) method to track the annual dynamics of 7 Skeletonema species, including the pseudocryptic species, in the coastal waters of Ariake Sound, Japan. Fortnightly monitoring revealed that each Skeletonema species had different seasonality and occurrence patterns. The significant findings related to: (1) the species-specific ecological strategies and (2) the ecophysiology of the 5 pseudocryptic species assigned as S. costatum (sensu lato). Three Skeletonema species (S. costatum [sensu stricto], S. menzelii, and S. tropicum) formed blooms in summer, while the copy number of other species increased in winter (S. ardens, S. dohrnii/marinoi, S. grevillei, and S. japonicum). Bloom dynamics also differed among species, with either single intense bloom events or sustained moderate blooms. Summer species bloomed successively under the highly dynamic summer conditions (high freshwater input and anticyclonic tropical typhoons). By contrast, in winter, multi-species blooms were observed under conditions of low sea surface temperature and solar insolation. The single-peak species intensely bloomed during an ephemeral optimal time whereas others sustained their biomass in the pax between the intense blooms. Our in situ species-specific monitoring study connects ex situ physiology and in situ distributions, highlighting the diverse ecophysiology within this cosmopolitan diatom genus.

Cyanobacterial blooms alter benthic community structure and parasite prevalence among invertebrates in Florida Bay, USA

Many marine habitats are at risk due to increasing frequency, intensity, and persistence of harmful algal blooms. Repeated cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) in Florida Bay, USA, kill sponges, resulting in reduced filtration and loss of shelter for benthic species. The loss of these key ecosystem functions can impact disease dynamics if fewer pathogens are filtered from the water column (dilution), if shelter loss increases host density in remaining shelters and a directly transmitted disease is present (host regulation), or if shelter loss changes species distributions and foraging patterns (trophic exposure). We show persistent impacts to hard-bottom communities relative to non-impacted communities 2 yr after a significant cyanoHAB. We compared benthic structure, invertebrate epibenthic/infaunal community composition, and parasitism among macroinvertebrates, stone crab Menippe mercenaria, and Caribbean spiny lobster Panulirus argus. On sites degraded by cyanoHABs, we found more, smaller sponges, indicating regrowth. Despite this evidence of recovery, epibenthic/infaunal invertebrate communities were distinct and more diverse on unimpacted sites. Additionally, there were fewer, smaller bivalves on impacted sites. The bivalve Tucetona pectinata, prey for stone crabs, was nearly absent on impacted sites, resulting in decreased prevalence of the apicomplexan gregarine Nematopsis sp., which is trophically transmitted from T. pectinata to M. mercenaria. Panulirus argus virus 1 also appears to be affected by cyanoHABs, as it was absent on impacted sites but present in 26.5% of spiny lobster on unimpacted sites. Impacts remain evident 2 yr after significant cyanoHABs, which does not bode well for these areas considering the frequent reoccurrence of blooms.

Review on the control and mitigation strategies of lake cyanobacterial blooms

由于人类活动和全球气候变化的叠加影响，湖泊富营养化和蓝藻水华仍是未来相当长一段时间内的水生态环境问题.蓝藻水华暴发会引发湖泊生态系统的灾害和饮用水安全风险，因此湖内蓝藻水华防控必不可少.现有蓝藻水华防控长效方法主要基于营养盐控制理论、浅水湖泊稳态转换理论和生物操纵理论，技术措施包括内源营养盐控制、生态修复、生物操纵.应急处置方法可以削减局部水域蓝藻水华强度，主要包括物理、化学方法.本文基于国内外研究治理案例，梳理了单项蓝藻防控技术运用的边界条件、蓝藻削减效果及防控成本.湖泊富营养化控制和蓝藻水华防控是一个长期而艰巨的系统工程，必须采取流域污染削减和湖内防控相结合的治理策略.湖泊水质与水生态的持续跟踪监测以及水质和水生态预测模型的构建，是动态调整治理方案、保障治理效果长效稳定的基础.;Lake eutrophication and cyanobacterial blooms are water ecological and environmental problems for a long time to come, due to the synergistic effects of human activities and global climate change. The outbreak of lake cyanobacterial blooms would entail water ecological risk and drinking water crisis, thus curative methods to suppress the proliferation of cyanobacteria bloom are imperative. Nutrient control, shallow lake regime shifts and biological manipulation are theoretical basis for the long-term strategies for cyanobacteria blooms prevention and control. Accordingly, external and internal nutrient loading reduction, ecological restoration and biomanipulation are sustainable control and management approaches. In addition, methods used for emergency situations can mitigate the intensity of cyanobacterial bloom, mainly including physical and chemical approaches. Based on the review of the domestic and international cases on cyanobacterial bloom control, we sort out the applicable conditions, cyanobacterial mitigation efficiency and performance cost of each approach. In fact, lake eutrophication management and cyanobacterial bloom mitigation are a long-term and systematic process. These in-lake strategies should invariably be accompanied by nutrient input reductions. The continuous monitoring of lake water quality and water ecology as well as the building of prediction model support the further adjustment of strategies and measures to ensure long-term success and sustainability.

Atlantic inflow is the primary driver of remotely sensed autumn blooms in the Barents Sea

Arctic shelf seas have historically hosted a single spring bloom, contrasting with temperate seas, where additional smaller autumn blooms occur regularly, caused by storm systems mixing nutrient-rich deep waters towards the surface ocean. Post millennium, autumn blooms have increased in frequency in Arctic shelf seas. Delayed sea-ice formation, stronger autumn winds and greater inflows of nutrient-rich temperate waters have all been suggested to support growing annual net primary production and an increasing incidence of autumn blooms. Here, we investigated data sets of remotely sensed September chlorophyll a, sea surface temperature, current and wind speeds. We explored mechanistic drivers of autumn blooms in the Barents Sea, one of the most productive Arctic shelf seas, to better understand the role of strong winds and the ingression of Atlantic waters in the dynamics of autumn blooms. We performed geographically resolved regressions between remotely sensed September chlorophyll a and environmental conditions in the Barents Sea, demonstrating a strong dependency of autumn bloom intensity on Atlantic inflow. This result highlights the importance of increased study of autumn phytoplankton bloom dynamics on Arctic shelf seas, especially the further collection and dissemination of in situ cell count and nutrient data to determine the significance of autumn blooms for wider ecosystem function.

Pigment Characterization of the Giant-Colony-Forming Haptophyte Phaeocystis globosa in the Beibu Gulf Reveals Blooms of Different Origins.

The giant-colony-forming haptophyte Phaeocystis globosa has caused several large-scale blooms in the Beibu Gulf since 2011, but the distribution and dynamics of the blooms remained largely unknown. In this study, colonies of P. globosa, as well as membrane-concentrated phytoplankton samples, were collected during eight cruises in the Beibu Gulf from September 2016 to August 2017. Pigments were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). The pigment 19'-hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin (hex-fuco), generally considered a diagnostic pigment for Phaeocystis, was not detected in P. globosa colonies in the Beibu Gulf, whereas 19'-butanoyloxyfucoxanthin (but-fuco) was found in all colony samples. Moreover, but-fuco in membrane-concentrated phytoplankton samples exhibited a similar distribution pattern to that of P. globosa colonies, suggesting that but-fuco provided the diagnostic pigment for bloom-forming P. globosa in the Beibu Gulf. Based on the distribution of but-fuco in different water masses in the region prior to the formation of intensive blooms, it is suggested that P. globosa blooms in the Beibu Gulf could originate from two different sources. IMPORTANCE Phaeocystis globosa has formed intensive blooms in the South China Sea and even around the world, causing huge social economic losses and environmental damage. However, little is known about the formation mechanism and dynamics of P. globosa blooms. 19'-Hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin (hex-fuco) is often used as the pigment proxy to estimate Phaeocystis biomass, while this is challenged by the giant-colony-forming P. globosa in the Beibu Gulf, which contains only 19'-butanoyloxyfucoxanthin (but-fuco) but not hex-fuco. Using but-fuco as a diagnostic pigment, we traced two different origins of P. globosa blooms in the Beibu Gulf. This study clarifies the development process of P. globosa blooms in the Beibu Gulf, which provides a basis for the early monitoring and prevention of the blooms.

Особливості сезонної сукцесії фітопланктону в прибережній зоні Криму (Чорне море) у різні за кліматичними умовами роки (2009–2014)

Under conditions of climatic changes, it is of great interest to study the dynamics of various functional complexes of phytoplankton species. The long-term influence of previous cold winters on the course of the seasonal succession of phytoplankton, as well as the intensity of blooms in the open waters of the Black Sea, were shown earlier. In the coastal zone, this relationship has not yet been sufficiently studied. Based on regular monitoring studies in the coastal area of Sevastopol from 2009–2014, features of the course of seasonal succession of phytoplankton in years with different climatic conditions were revealed: the “cold” years differed from the “warm” ones by a longer dominance of diatom complexes in terms of cell abundance, especially of small-celled species, which characterize the initial stage of seasonal succession of phytoplankton. The level of development of both diatoms and dinoflagellates was minimal compared to other years, with a shift in the periods of maxima to later months. In contrast, the "warm" years were characterized by the predominance of dinoflagellates for most of the study period, with a shift in timing of the maxima to earlier months. Both diatoms and dinoflagellates reached their maximal development in “warm” years in spring and autumn. In the “moderate” years, phytoplankton development proceeded either by analogy with the “cold” (2009) or “warm” (2011) years. The seasonal succession described above is typical for the northwestern Black Sea, in particular, the Sevastopol coastal area, and differs from the average pattern for the northwestern part described earlier for 1992–1993. The difference consisted of an increase in the proportion of stages I and III due to a decrease in stage II compared to 1992–1993.

First Report on the Bloom of Diatom Haslea Gretharum Simonsen, 1974 from the Arabian Sea

A bloom of solitary pennate diatom Haslea was observed for the first time along the open ocean waters of the Northern Arabian sea during the late phase of winter monsoon (first week of March 2011). Mucilaginous macroscopic aggregations of the diatoms were observed on the sea surface consisting of two species Haslea gretharum and Haslea gigantea of which Haslea gretharum Simonsen, 1974 dominated (3 × 105 cells L−1) and the species was not reported from the Indian Ocean after its first report in 1974. The weakly silicified lanceolate pennate raphid diatom H. gretharum in aggregations were observed to span over nearly 6km2 in the open sea surface. Along with the genus Haslea, the dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans was observed in fewer cell densities (16 × 102 cells L−1). The diatom bloom was observed to follow an intense bloom of N. scintillans in the region and the decaying cells of this dinoflagellate were observed to contribute towards the macroscopic mucilaginous aggregations of the Haslea bloom by providing a substratum for aggregation. Even though pennate diatoms are known to produce mucilaginous extracellular substances that leads to cell aggregation, the massive dinoflagellate blooms in the North eastern Arabian sea tentatively provides supplementary up keepings to the open ocean bloom of the diatoms.

An overview of harmful algal blooms and eutrophication in Jakarta Bay, Indonesia

Algal blooms have been occurring in Jakarta Bay for twenty years. However, recently the occurrence of algal blooms, their harmful effects, and their duration have been intensified. Algal blooms have devastated the marine environment, caused fish mortality, and been detrimental to local tourism, local fishing, and other industries along the coast. It comes to speculation that the increase of anthropogenic activity from surrounding areas is taking a toll on the environment. So, this research aimed to study the recent rise of algal blooms in Jakarta Bay and the possible anthropogenic links, mainly through cultural eutrophication, to the increasing occurrence of red tides and their impact. Observation has been conducted to study the dynamic of algal blooms concerning eutrophication and the existing seasons. Collecting samples were performed using a canonical plankton net from 2008 until 2015. The results showed that the abundance of phytoplankton ranged from 40.90 x 106 up to 1699.10 x 106 cells.m−3. The highest quantity of cells was observed in May 2010 between rainy to dry seasons. There is evidence that the reported increase in frequency and magnitude of algal bloom events in Jakarta Bay is linked to cultural eutrophication. The recent exponential growth of the city may be a contributing factor in the increasing intensity of algal blooms. The cultural eutrophication of coastal waters increased, leading to the intensity and frequency of algal bloom.

The Influence of Dust Transport on the Intensity of Cyanobacterial Bloom in the Caspian Sea

The Influence of Dust Transport on the Intensity of Cyanobacterial Bloom in the Caspian Sea

Investigation of the Occurrence of Cyanotoxins in Lake Karaoun (Lebanon) by Mass Spectrometry, Bioassays and Molecular Methods.

Lake Karaoun is the largest artificial lake in Lebanon and serves multiple purposes. Recently, intensive cyanobacterial blooms have been reported in the lake, raising safety and aesthetic concerns related to the presence of cyanotoxins and cyanobacterial taste and odor (T&O) compounds, respectively. Here, we communicate for the first time results from a recent investigation by LC-MS/MS covering multiple cyanotoxins (microcystins (MCs), anatoxin-a, cylindrospermopsin, nodularin) in water and fish collected between 2019 and 2020. Eleven MCs were identified reaching concentrations of 211 and 199 μg/L for MC-LR and MC-YR, respectively. Cylindrospermopsin, anatoxin-a and nodularin were not detected. The determination of the total MCs was also carried out by ELISA and Protein Phosphatase Inhibition Assay yielding comparable results. Molecular detection of cyanobacteria (16S rRNA) and biosynthetic genes of toxins were carried out by qPCR. Untargeted screening analysis by GC-MS showed the presence of T&O compounds, such as β-cyclocitral, β-ionone, nonanal and dimethylsulfides that contribute to unpleasant odors in water. The determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) showed the presence of anthropogenic pollutants, mostly dichloromethane and toluene. The findings are important to develop future monitoring schemes in order to assess the risks from cyanobacterial blooms with regard to the lake’s ecosystem and its uses.

Bioavailable Nutrients (N and P) and Precipitation Patterns Drive Cyanobacterial Blooms in Missisquoi Bay, Lake Champlain.

Anthropogenic activities release large amounts of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrients into the environment. Sources of nutrients include surface and sub-surface runoffs from agricultural practices with the application of chemical fertilizers and manure as well as combined sewer overflows (CSOs). Nutrient runoffs contribute to the eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems and enhance the growth of cyanobacteria. Precipitation is an important driving force behind the runoff of nutrients from agricultural fields into surrounding water bodies. To understand the dynamics between nutrient input, precipitation and cyanobacterial growth in Missisquoi Bay, Lake Champlain (Quebec), one location in Pike River (a major tributary into the bay) and four locations in Missisquoi Bay were monitored from April to November in 2017 and 2018. Biweekly water samples were analyzed using chemical methods and high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. High concentrations of N and P were typically measured in April and May. Three major spikes in nutrient concentrations were observed in early and mid-summer as well as early fall, all of which were associated with intense cumulative precipitation events of 40 to 100 mm within 7 days prior to sampling. Despite the high concentrations of nutrients in the spring and early summer, the cyanobacterial blooms appeared in mid to late summer as the water temperature increased. Dolichospermum sp. was the major bloom-forming cyanobacterium during both summers. A second intense bloom event of Microcystis was also observed in the fall (October and November) for both years. Variation in the cyanobacteria population was strongly associated with inorganic and readily available fractions of N and P such as nitrites and nitrates (NOx), ammonia (NH3) and dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP). During blooms, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and total particulate phosphorus (TPP) fractions had a substantial influence on total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations, respectively. The abundance of bacteria involved in the metabolism of nitrogen compared to that of phosphorus revealed the importance of nitrogen on overall microbial dynamics as well as CB formation in the bay. Our findings emphasize the combined influence of precipitation events, temperature and several bioavailable fractions of nitrogen and phosphorus on cyanobacterial bloom episodes.

Dissolved organic carbon accumulation during a bloom of invasive gelatinous zooplankton Mnemiopsis leidyi in the northern Adriatic Sea; case of the anomalous summer in 2017

In the so-called “anomalous” summer in 2017, an increased concentration of DOC was measured in the entire water column at the station SJ107 (eastern part of the Po River delta-Rovinj transect, Graphical abstract) in the northern Adriatic (NAd). Surface DOC ranged between 1.56 and 3.10 mg l−1, being 2.5 times higher than the long-term (1989–2017) average for the same area. Such enlarged concentration of DOC, typical for eutrophic lagoons or lakes and not for open waters, was most probably a consequence of an intensive bloom of Mnemiopsis leidyi, which was recorded with an exceptionally high population density (up to 76 ind. m−3) in the same waters. The number of jelly combs showed a decrease from the east (SJ107) to the west (SJ101) of the transect (Graphical abstract). Abundance in the central part of the transect was also quite low. Maximum of DOC corresponded with the abundance of the M. leidyi smallest specimens (<3 cm). At the western station of the same profile (SJ101), M. leidyi abundance was insignificant, and DOC concentration appeared to be controlled by seasonal changes in primary production and grazing activities. In contrast, at the eastern station (SJ107), changes in the complex food web interaction shaped the DOC quantity and quality. A large fraction of DOC at both stations was found to be reactive, significantly contributing to the organic matter pool represented by surface-active substances (SAS). A large anticyclonic gyre which developed from April to November in 2017 in the area of SJ107, supported calm water column conditions and abundant resources of zooplankton, which could support the residence and accumulation of the invasive ctenophore M. leidyi. For the first time, the presence of a long-lasting gyre (duration of at least 4 months) is documented both with hydrographic measurements and by numerical modelling. Such a situation characterised by the production of highly reactive DOC leads to an extreme eutrophic episode. A dispersion model indicated a high probability of M. leidyi spreading by the end of winter from the Venice Lagoon, its hypothetical winter residing area, to the Istrian coast (Croatia).

Cyclical Patterns and a Regime Shift in the Character of Phytoplankton Blooms in a Restricted Sub-Tropical Lagoon, Indian River Lagoon, Florida, United States

This paper examines the character of phytoplankton blooms in a restricted sub-tropical lagoon along the Atlantic coast of central Florida. The results of the 23-year study (1997–2020) provide evidence for multiple types of variability in bloom activity, including cyclical patterns, stochastic events, and most prominently a regime shift in composition and intensity. Cyclical patterns (e.g., El Niño/La Niña periods) and stochastic events (e.g., tropical storms) influenced rainfall levels, which in turn impacted nutrient concentrations in the water column and the timing and intensity of blooms. In 2011, a major change occurred in the character of blooms, with a dramatic increase in peak biomass levels of blooms and the appearance of new dominant taxa, including the brown tide speciesAureoumbra lagunensisand other nanoplanktonic species. Results of quantitative analyses reveal system behavior indicative of a regime shift. The shift coincided with widespread losses of seagrass community and reduced drift algae biomass. A combination of exceptionally low water temperatures in the winters of 2009/2010 and 2010/2011, hypersaline conditions associated with drought conditions, and high light attenuation caused by blooms appear to have contributed to the widespread and protracted decline in seagrass and drift macroalgal communities in the lagoon, leading to shifts in distribution of internal and external nutrient sources toward phytoplankton.

Impacts of Marine Heatwaves on Algal Structure and Carbon Sequestration in Conjunction With Ocean Warming and Acidification

As the ocean warms, the frequency, duration, intensity, and range of marine heatwaves (MHWs) increase. MHWs are becoming a severe challenge for marine ecosystems. However, our understanding in regard to their impacts on algal structure and carbon sequestration is still deficient or fragmentary, particularly when combined with ocean warming and acidification. In this paper, we reviewed the impacts of MHWs individually and combined with ocean warming and acidification on regime shift in algal community and carbon sequestration of both macroalgae and microalgae. Solid evidence shows that MHWs cause the decline of large canopy macroalgae and increase of turf-forming macroalgae in abundance, leading to the regime shift from kelp forests to seaweed turfs. Furthermore, increased grazing pressure on kelps due to tropicalization facilitates the expansion of turfs that prevent the recovery of kelps through plundering light and space. Meanwhile, MHWs could trigger microalgal blooms and the intensity of algal blooms is regulated by the severity of MHWs and nutrient availability. MHWs could lead to the decrease of carbon burial and sequestration by canopy-forming macroalgae due to depressed growth and increased mortality. The effects of MHWs on the productivity of microalgae are latitude-dependent: negative effects at low and mid-latitudes whilst positive effects at high latitudes. Ocean warming and acidification may accelerate the shift from kelps to turfs and thus decrease the carbon sequestration by canopy-forming macroalgae further. We propose that MHWs combined with ocean warming and acidification would reduce the biodiversity and facilitate the thriving of morphologically simple, ephemeral and opportunistic turfs and diatoms in coastal oceans, and phytoplankton with smaller size in open oceans. This structure shift would not be in favor of long-term carbon sequestration. Future studies could be conducted to test this hypothesis and investigate the impacts of MHWs on carbon sequestration under future ocean conditions.

CHEMTAX analysis of phytoplankton assemblages revealed potential indicators for blooms of haptophyte Phaeocystis globosa

Harmful algal blooms formed by the haptophyte Phaeocystis globosa have been recorded in the Beibu Gulf since 2011. In this study, the composition and variation of phytoplankton assemblages in the Beibu Gulf were studied during an intense bloom of P. globosa from 2016 to 2017, using the CHEMTAX approach. In phytoplankton samples collected from the Beibu Gulf, chlorophyll a (Chl a, 0.046–2.87 μg L−1) and fucoxanthin (Fuco, 0.041–13.7 μg L−1) were the most abundant pigments. Diatoms were the dominant group of phytoplankton, followed by cyanobacteria (mainly Synechococcus), haptophytes, cryptophytes, prasinophytes, dinoflagellates, and chlorophytes. Phytoplankton samples were clustered into four communities characterized by diatoms, cyanobacteria, haptophytes containing 19′-butanoyloxyfucoxanthin (the “Hapt-But” subgroup of haptophytes), and haptophytes containing 19'-hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin (the “Hapt-Hex” subgroup of haptophytes). Distribution pattern of the “Hapt-But” subgroup of haptophyte was consistent with that of P. globosa colonies. Diatoms had positive correlation with P. globosa colony abundance, while cyanobacteria had negative correlation. The diagnostic pigments for colony-forming P. globosa (But-fuco), diatoms (Fuco) and cyanobacteria (zeaxanthin), as well as temperature (<20 °C), could serve as potential early-warning indicators for the formation of P. globosa blooms in the Beibu Gulf.

Impact of a warm anomaly in the Pacific Arctic region derived from time-series export fluxes.

Unusually warm conditions recently observed in the Pacific Arctic region included a dramatic loss of sea ice cover and an enhanced inflow of warmer Pacific-derived waters. Moored sediment traps deployed at three biological hotspots of the Distributed Biological Observatory (DBO) during this anomalously warm period collected sinking particles nearly continuously from June 2017 to July 2019 in the northern Bering Sea (DBO2) and in the southern Chukchi Sea (DBO3), and from August 2018 to July 2019 in the northern Chukchi Sea (DBO4). Fluxes of living algal cells, chlorophyll a (chl a), total particulate matter (TPM), particulate organic carbon (POC), and zooplankton fecal pellets, along with zooplankton and meroplankton collected in the traps, were used to evaluate spatial and temporal variations in the development and composition of the phytoplankton and zooplankton communities in relation to sea ice cover and water temperature. The unprecedented sea ice loss of 2018 in the northern Bering Sea led to the export of a large bloom dominated by the exclusively pelagic diatoms Chaetoceros spp. at DBO2. Despite this intense bloom, early sea ice breakup resulted in shorter periods of enhanced chl a and diatom fluxes at all DBO sites, suggesting a weaker biological pump under reduced ice cover in the Pacific Arctic region, while the coincident increase or decrease in TPM and POC fluxes likely reflected variations in resuspension events. Meanwhile, the highest transport of warm Pacific waters during 2017–2018 led to a dominance of the small copepods Pseudocalanus at all sites. Whereas the export of ice-associated diatoms during 2019 suggested a return to more typical conditions in the northern Bering Sea, the impact on copepods persisted under the continuously enhanced transport of warm Pacific waters. Regardless, the biological pump remained strong on the shallow Pacific Arctic shelves.