Effects of organic nitrogen components from terrestrial input on the phytoplankton community in Jiaozhou Bay

Xiansheng Zhang; Shanqiao Chen; Xiurong Han; Rongguo Su; Chuansong Zhang; Shengkang Liang; Rui Yang; Xiulin Wang; Keqiang Li

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113316

Effects of organic nitrogen components from terrestrial input on the phytoplankton community in Jiaozhou Bay

Mar Pollut Bull. 2022 Jan:174:113316. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113316. Epub 2022 Jan 7.

Authors

Xiansheng Zhang¹, Shanqiao Chen², Xiurong Han², Rongguo Su², Chuansong Zhang³, Shengkang Liang⁴, Rui Yang¹, Xiulin Wang², Keqiang Li⁵

Affiliations

¹ Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 2066061, China.
² College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 2066061, China.
³ College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 2066061, China. Electronic address: zcsong@ouc.edu.cn.
⁴ Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China.
⁵ Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 2066061, China. Electronic address: likeqiang@ouc.edu.cn.

PMID: 35090298
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113316

Abstract

Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) from terrestrial input exacerbates eutrophication and induces harmful algal blooms. We investigated the effects of hydrophilic (Hic) and low molecular weight (LMW) DON on the phytoplankton community in Jiaozhou Bay during autumn (October 2017) and spring (May 2018). Our results showed DON additions significantly increased algal growth while decreasing community biodiversity and provide a competitive advantage for Skeletonema costatum. These situations were further intensified by increasing temperature in autumn. Additionally, Hic DON had a higher bioavailability than LMW DON. Based on emission-excitation matrix spectra, we identified protein-like components as the main components of Hic DON whereas humus-like components were the principal components of LMW. Correlation analysis confirmed a positive correlation between DON bioavailability and protein-like components. Therefore, our results indicate DON from terrestrial input disrupts the structural stability of the phytoplankton community and increases the risk of harmful algal blooms, which in turn threaten coastal ecosystems.

Keywords: Bioavailability; Biodiversity; Dissolved organic nitrogen; Hydrophilic component; Phytoplankton community; Seasonal variation.

MeSH terms

Bays
Dissolved Organic Matter
Ecosystem
Harmful Algal Bloom
Nitrogen* / analysis
Phytoplankton*

Substances

Dissolved Organic Matter
Nitrogen