Effect of increasing temperature on algal biomass and richness in periphyton under controlled environmental conditions

• Grant number: 22/08479-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2022
• End date: July 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Ecosystems Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Carla Ferragut
• Grantee: Letícia Sapucaia Domiciano
• Host Institution: Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais (IPA). Secretaria de Meio Ambiente, Infraestrutura e Logística (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 17/50341-0 - Challenges for biodiversity conservation facing climate changes, pollution, land use and occupation (PDIp), AP.PDIP

Abstract

Studies report that the increase in global temperature can change the structure and dynamics of algal communities in aquatic ecosystems. In shallow lakes and reservoirs, periphytic algae are frequently abundant and play a role in primary production, nutrient cycling, and the food chain. Despite the crucial ecological role of periphyton, community responses to possible future warming of lakes and reservoirs are still poorly understood. Thus, we aim to evaluate the effect of increasing temperature on the biomass and algal richness in the periphyton during the colonization (7d, 14d, 21d, 28d) under controlled environmental conditions (two temperature scenarios: I-current scenario; II-future scenario). Considering the eutrophic reservoir, we intend to evaluate: i) whether the increase in temperature can alter the periphyton biomass peak and, ii) whether the increase in temperature can affect the richness of periphytic algae in the successional phases. Thus, an experiment with two treatments in triplicate will be carried out in growth chambers with controlled temperature, light, and humidity. The abiotic conditions (conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, light, and nutrient availability) will be monitored during the experimental period. As a result, we expect that biomass increment, composition, and algal richness in the periphyton change with increasing temperature and indicate whether global warming could cause significant changes in periphyton structure.(AU)