Journal Articles - UP - MSI
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- Nutrient limitation of Philippine seagrasses (Cape Bolinao, NW Philippines): in situ experimental evidenceAgawin, N. S. R.; Duarte, C. M.; Fortes, M. D. (Inter-Research Science Center, 1996)Nutrient limitation of Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii and Cymodocea rotundata in 2 mixed seagrass beds (Silaqui and Lucero) in Cape Bolinao, NW Philippines was investigated through a 4 mo in situ nutrient addition experiment. Leaf growth of T. hemprichii and E. acoroides significantly increased by 40 to 100% and 160%, respectively, following fertilization. Leaf biomass of the 3 species also increased significantly by 60 to 240% following nutrient additions. The increased growth and biomass with fertilization was supported by enhanced photosynthetic activity, consequently by higher chlorophyll and nutrient concentrations in the photosynthetic tissues. These results demonstrated nutrient limitation of seagrass growth and photosynthetic performance at the 2 sites in Cape Bolinao. The nature and extent of nutrient limitation, however, varied between sites and among species. T. hemprichii and E. acoroides appeared to be mainly P deficient and N deficient, respectively (from significant increases in tissue P and N concentration following fertilization, respectively). The deficiency was moderate (26% of requirement) for T. hemprichii but substantial for E. acoroides (54% of requirement). Moreover, N and P deficiency was greater in Lucero than in Silaqui, consistent with the higher ambient nutrient concentration in the porewater and sediment nutrient and organic matter content in Silaqui. These results emphasize the importance of local differences in the factors controlling nutrient losses and gains in seagrass meadows and, more importantly, the importance of identifying the species-specific traits that generate the interspecific plasticity of nutrient status.
- Trace metals in phytoplankton: Requirements, function, and composition in harmful algal bloomsManic, Dolly; Redil, Richard; Rodriguez, Irene (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2024)In a constantly changing environment brought about by the climate crisis and escalated anthropogenic perturbations driven by the growing population, harmful algal bloom dynamics and their impacts are expected to shift, necessitating adaptive management strategies and comprehensive research efforts. Similar to primary productivity, HABs have been thought to be driven primarily by major nutrients such as N, P, and Si. However, recent investigations on the role and importance of micronutrients as limiting factors in aquatic environments have been highlighted. This paper provides a review of metal and phytoplankton interactions, with a specific emphasis on pertinent information on the influence of trace nutrients on growth, toxin production, and other underlying mechanisms related to the dynamics of HABs. Low to near-depleted levels of essential nutrients, including Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Mn, Co, and Mo, negatively impact cell growth and proliferation of various marine and freshwater HAB species. However, evidence shows that at elevated levels, these trace elements, along with other non-essential ones, could still cause toxic effects to certain HAB species manifested by decreased photosynthetic activities, oxidative stress, ultrastructure damage, and cyst formation. Interestingly, while elevated levels of these metals mostly result in increased toxin production, Co (i.e., yessotoxins, gymnodimine, and palytoxins) and Mn (i.e., isodomoic acid, okadaic and diol esters) enrichments revealed otherwise. In addition to toxin production, releasing dissolved organic matter (DOM), including dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and humic substances, was observed as an adaptation strategy, since these organic compounds have been proven to chelate metals in the water column, thereby reducing metal-induced toxicity. Whilst current research centers on free metal toxicity of specific essential elements such as Cu and Zn, a comprehensive account of how trace metals contribute to the growth, toxin production, and other metabolic processes under conditions reflective of in situ scenarios of HAB-prone areas would yield new perspectives on the roles of trace metals in HABs. With the growing demands of the global population for food security and sustainability, substantial pressure is exerted on the agriculture and aquaculture sector, highlighting the need for effective communication of information regarding the interactions of macro- and micronutrients with HABs to improve existing policies and practices. © 2024 by the authors.