Coupling high frequency monitoring and bioassay experiments to investigate a harmful algal bloom in the Bay of Seine (French-English Channel)

Coastal ecosystems are increasingly threatened by eutrophication and dystrophy. In this context, the full pattern of a bloom dominated by the dinoflagellate, Lepidodinium chlorophorum, was investigated by a high frequency monitoring buoy equipped with sensors allowing nutrients and photosynthesis measurements. An increase of the N/P ratio affected phytoplankton physiology leading to bloom collapse with a slight oxygen depletion. In parallel, enrichment experiments were performed on the natural bloom population. After 5 days of incubation the community structure, using flow cytometry and several physiological parameters were analysed. The data reveal a potential N and P co-limitation and a decoupling between primary production and productivity in fully enriched conditions. Under unbalanced N/P inputs, high level of alkaline phosphatase activity and transparent exopolymeric particle production, which favour phytoplankton sedimentation, were observed. Nutrient inputs and their stoichiometry control phytoplankton growth, the community structure, physiological regulations, the fate of the bloom and consequences.

Keyword(s)

Lepidodinium chlorophorum, Eutrophication, FRRf, Transparent exopolymeric particles, Flow cytometry

Full Text

FilePagesSizeAccess
Publisher's official version
123 Mo
Supplementary Fig. 1. Bioessay experiment, FRRf specific light absorption coefficient (σPSII) at 440 nm.
-91 Ko
Author's final draft
4513 Mo
How to cite
Serre-Fredj Léon, Jacqueline Franck, Navon Maxime, Izabel Guillaume, Chasselin Leo, Jolly Orianne, Repecaud Michel, Claquin Pascal (2021). Coupling high frequency monitoring and bioassay experiments to investigate a harmful algal bloom in the Bay of Seine (French-English Channel). Marine Pollution Bulletin. 168. 112387 (12p.). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112387, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00690/80239/

Copy this text