Chattonella marina blooms in a trophic gradient system: Interaction with environmental drivers

Abstract

For coastal eutrophication, lots of studies focused on the influence from environmental factors, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, on algae blooms. The interaction between algae and environmental factors has been often ignored. Using Chattonella marina, a dominant species in marine algal blooms, we established a trophic gradient system that simulated C. marina blooms at three trophic levels: eutrophic, mesotrophic, and oligotrophic, and examined the life history patterns of C. marina and the interactions with environmental factors. Increased trophic levels influenced the growth potential of C. marina, while its unique cyst reproduction allowed it to thrive in nutrient-limited environments. Adequate nutrients caused changes in dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH led by C. marina, with the carbonate system playing a crucial role in regulating pH under nutrient-limited conditions. Limiting the growth of C. marina in areas with low nutrient by manipulating reactive silicate (SiO₃^2-) availability may prove effective. Nitrate (NO₃^-) was the preferred nutrient for C. marina when its concentration exceeded that of ammonium (NH₄⁺). Phosphorus played a crucial role in the growth and proliferation of C. marina, especially when other nutrients were scarce. The findings of this study may provide valuable insights into the effective management and prevention of algae blooms.

Keywords: Chattonella marina; Environmental factors; HABs; Trophic gradient system.