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Temperature Effect on Exploitation and Interference Competition among Microcystis aeruginosa, Planktothrix agardhii

Andreia Maria da Anunciação Gomes1, Sandra Maria Feliciano de Oliveira e Azevedo2, Miquel Lürling3

  • 1Laboratório de Ecofisiologia e Toxicologia de Cianobactérias, IBCCF, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, CCS, Bloco G, 21949-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil ; Laboratório de Botânica, Instituto de Recursos Naturais, Universidade Federal de Itajubá, Avenida BPS 1303, Pinheirinho, 37500-903 Itajubá, MG, Brazil.

Thescientificworldjournal
|September 18, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Temperature impacts phytoplankton competition, favoring different species like Microcystis aeruginosa and Cyclotella meneghiniana at distinct temperatures. This suggests temperature influences competitive interactions and coexistence strategies among aquatic microbes.

Area of Science:

  • Aquatic Ecology
  • Phytoplankton Ecology
  • Microbial Competition

Background:

  • Temperature is a critical environmental factor influencing aquatic microbial communities.
  • Understanding interspecific competition is vital for predicting phytoplankton dynamics in changing climates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of temperature (18°C and 30°C) on the competitive interactions of three key phytoplankton species.
  • To differentiate the impact of temperature on exploitation and interference competition.

Main Methods:

  • Coculturing Microcystis aeruginosa (MIJAC), Planktothrix agardhii (PAT), and Cyclotella meneghiniana (CCAP) in batch and cross-culture systems.
  • Monitoring growth and competition over 10-12 days using chlorophyll-a analysis via PHYTO-PAM.

Main Results:

  • Microcystis aeruginosa (MIJAC) demonstrated superior competitive ability irrespective of temperature for exploitation competition.
  • Temperature significantly influenced interference competition, favoring MIJAC at 30°C and Cyclotella meneghiniana (CCAP) at 18°C.
  • Planktothrix agardhii (PAT) exhibited higher growth rates than CCAP across both tested temperatures.

Conclusions:

  • Optimal growth temperature is a key determinant of competitive superiority in phytoplankton.
  • Temperature-mediated production of allelochemicals may drive distinct competitive outcomes and influence species coexistence.
  • Phytoplankton coexistence is governed by species' sensitivity and physiological status in response to competitive pressures.

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