Spatio-temporal dynamics and biogeochemical properties of green seawater discolorations caused by the marine dinoflagellate Lepidodinium chlorophorum along southern Brittany coast

Type Article
Date 2022-09
Language English
Author(s) Roux Pauline1, Siano Raffaele2, Souchu Philippe1, Collin KarineORCID1, Schmitt Anne1, Manach Soazig1, Retho MichaelORCID3, Pierre Duplessix Olivier1, Marchand Laetitia3, Colliec Jouault SylviaORCID3, Pochic Victor4, Zoffoli Maria Laura4, Gernez Pierre4, Schapira MathildeORCID1
Affiliation(s) 1 : Ifremer, LITTORAL, F-44300, Nantes, France
2 : Ifremer, DYNECO, F-29280, Plouzané, France
3 : Ifremer, BRM, F-44300, Nantes, France
4 : Nantes Université, Institut des Substances et Organismes de la Mer, ISOMer, UR 2160, F-44000, Nantes, France
Source Estuarine Coastal And Shelf Science (0272-7714) (Elsevier BV), 2022-09 , Vol. 275 , P. 107950 (13p.)
DOI 10.1016/j.ecss.2022.107950
WOS© Times Cited 6
Keyword(s) Lepidodinium chlorophorum, Coastal waters, HABs, TEP, Hypoxia, Remote sensing
Abstract

Blooms of the marine dinoflagellate Lepidodinium chlorophorum cause green seawater discolorations affecting the recreational use and the tourism economy along southern Brittany (NE-Atlantic, France). Hypoxic conditions associated with phytoplankton biomass recycling are suspected to cause fauna mortalities. An in situ monitoring was performed in 2019 to characterise the seasonal variability of L. chlorophorum. This species was observed from May to November, with a maximum abundance in June–July. Specific bloom sampling demonstrated a dominance of L. chlorophorum within microphytoplankton, and documented its vertical distribution. Satellite observation was used to compute the surface extent of the bloom and to highlight the importance of small-scale temporal variability, with tidal currents being a primary driver of surface distribution of the bloom. Stratification contributed to promoting the bloom of L. chlorophorum. High concentrations of phosphate and ammonium, together with transparent exopolymer particles (TEP), were recorded within the bloom. Bacterial stimulation, leading to nutrient remineralisation or mucus facilitating mixotrophy, is suggested to sustain bloom development. Hence, TEP production might provide an ecological advantage for the dinoflagellate, conversely causing negative effects on the environment and biological resources through hypoxia. These first insights constitute a baseline for further studies in other ecosystems impacted by this species.

Full Text
File Pages Size Access
Author's final draft 61 2 MB Open access
12 1 MB Access on demand
13 5 MB Access on demand
Top of the page

How to cite 

Roux Pauline, Siano Raffaele, Souchu Philippe, Collin Karine, Schmitt Anne, Manach Soazig, Retho Michael, Pierre Duplessix Olivier, Marchand Laetitia, Colliec Jouault Sylvia, Pochic Victor, Zoffoli Maria Laura, Gernez Pierre, Schapira Mathilde (2022). Spatio-temporal dynamics and biogeochemical properties of green seawater discolorations caused by the marine dinoflagellate Lepidodinium chlorophorum along southern Brittany coast. Estuarine Coastal And Shelf Science, 275, 107950 (13p.). Publisher's official version : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2022.107950 , Open Access version : https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00779/89075/