Photosynthetic performance associated with phosphorus availability in mats of Didymosphenia geminata (Bacillariophyceae) from Patagonia (Argentina and Chile)

Photosynthetic performance associated with phosphorus availability in mats of Didymosphenia geminata (Bacillariophyceae) from Patagonia (Argentina and Chile)

Recently reported blooms of Didymosphenia geminata from rivers in Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia, together with non-typical blooms reported from lake systems, have the potential to alter community and ecosystem dynamics of aquatic environments in the region. In an effort to quantify key aspects o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Phycologia (Oxford) Vol. 55; no. 2; pp. 118 - 125
Main Authors: Beamud, Sara Guadelupe, Baffico, Gustavo, Reid, Brian, Torres, Rodrigo, Gonzalez-Polo, Marina, Pedrozo, Fernando, Diaz, Mónica
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 01-03-2016
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects:
Algae
Aquatic ecosystems
Aquatic environment
Bacillariophyceae
Creeks & streams
Diatoms
Didymosphenia geminata
Dissolved organic phosphorus
Ecological function
Ecosystem dynamics
Environmental conditions
Enzymatic activity
Enzymes
Invasive species
Lakes
Light
Phosphatase
Phosphorus
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis-irradiance curves
River ecology
Rivers
Studies
South America
Argentina
Chile
Patagonia
PSW, Argentina, Patagonia
South America, Andes Mts
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Summary:Recently reported blooms of Didymosphenia geminata from rivers in Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia, together with non-typical blooms reported from lake systems, have the potential to alter community and ecosystem dynamics of aquatic environments in the region. In an effort to quantify key aspects of ecosystem function of D. geminata mats in Patagonia, we describe for the first time photosynthesis-irradiance (P-E) curves of this species, associated P-E parameters (R, P max and α) and their relationship to other functional (alkaline phosphatase activity [APA] enzyme activity and chlorophyll a) and environmental variables (soluble reactive and organic phosphorous, electrical conductivity). Mats of D. geminata from lakes and rivers representing east and west sides of the Andes from 40°S to 46°S (i.e. much of current known distribution) varied mostly in the α and P max parameters of P-E curves. Southern systems showed a higher α and lower P max parameters than more northern sites on the east slope of the cordillera. None of the P-E curves showed photoinhibition. P-E parameters for the two lakes fell within the range of values for riverine mats; although, soluble reactive P was notably higher in the lakes. We used two different statistical approaches to evaluate associations across environmental, functional or P-E parameters, finding a strong relation between APA and P max and a weak one between soluble reactive phosphorus, pH, dissolved organic phosphorus and functional parameters. Our results do not contradict previous observations on the importance of P availability in communities of D. geminata; although the variability in response across P-E parameters suggests a more complex mechanism of regulation than implied in the existing literature.
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ISSN:0031-8884
2330-2968
DOI:10.2216/15-83.1