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Colony formation in two Microcystis morphotypes: Effects of temperature and nutrient availability
Zhipeng Duan1, Xiao Tan1, Keshab Parajuli2
1Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
Harmful Algae
|February 8, 2018
Summary
Warmer temperatures and phosphorus boost Microcystis colony size, potentially increasing harmful algal blooms. Growth rate, not just EPS, drives this crucial cyanobacteria trait.
Area of Science:
- Aquatic Ecology
- Phycology
- Environmental Microbiology
Background:
- Microcystis colonies are key to phytoplankton competition and harmful algal bloom (HAB) formation.
- The influence of temperature and nutrients on Microcystis colony formation remains unclear, especially concerning climate change and eutrophication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of temperature and nutrient availability (phosphorus and nitrogen) on the colony formation of two Microcystis strains.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of colony formation, focusing on growth rates and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) production.
Main Methods:
- Cultured two Microcystis strains (M. wesenbergii and M. ichthyoblabe) under varying temperatures (15-30°C) and nutrient levels.
- Quantified colony size, growth rates, and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) content.
- Analyzed the relationship between environmental factors, growth, EPS, and colony size.
Main Results:
- Colony size increased with temperature up to 25°C for both strains.
- Higher temperatures (25-30°C) differentially affected colony size between strains; M. ichthyoblabe decreased, while M. wesenbergii increased.
- Increased phosphorus availability promoted larger colony formation in both strains, whereas nitrogen had no significant effect.
- Growth rate was identified as a more dominant factor than EPS in driving colony size.
Conclusions:
- Warmer temperatures and phosphorus enrichment can directly enhance Microcystis colony size, potentially exacerbating surface algal scums.
- Growth rate is a critical determinant of Microcystis colony formation, alongside EPS production.
- Findings provide crucial insights into cyanobacterial bloom dynamics under changing environmental conditions.
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