Effect of increasing temperature on periphyton accrual under controlled environmental conditions

Author(s)

Sapucaia, L. D. ; Carneiro, R. O. ; Ferragut, C.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: LIMNOLOGY; v. 25, n. 3, p. 11-pg., 2024-04-15.

Abstract

Global warming can affect biomass accumulation and the dynamics of periphytic communities, potentially altering their role in aquatic ecosystem functioning. We conducted a 38-day mesocosm experiment to investigate the effects of an increase in winter temperature on periphyton biomass accumulation under eutrophic conditions. We evaluated the warming effect on colonization phases, identifying the most affected phase. The experiment had two treatments (control: current winter temperature of 23.5 celcius, warming: + 5.7 celcius under IPCC scenario). It was carried out in growth chambers under controlled temperature, light, and humidity. Periphyton and water samplings were performed on days 3, 6, 9, 13, 17, 21, 27, and 38. The increase in temperature did not affect the organic matter accrual rate of the periphyton. However, it negatively affected the net and gross accrual rate of the algal biomass. Ash-free dry mass and chlorophyll-a ratio in the periphyton increased at higher temperatures, indicating a decrease in autotrophic components in the periphyton in the warming treatment. We detected losses in algal biomass during the intermediate and advanced colonization phases. Our results showed a decrease in periphytic algal biomass with an increase in average temperature in winter. In conclusion, a warming scenario can negatively influence periphyton biomass in eutrophic ecosystems, where algal growth in the community is generally unfavorable. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/08479-2 - Effect of increasing temperature on algal biomass and richness in periphyton under controlled environmental conditions
• Grantee: Letícia Sapucaia Domiciano
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 17/50341-0 - Challenges for biodiversity conservation facing climate changes, pollution, land use and occupation (PDIp)
• Grantee: Luiz Mauro Barbosa
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - State Research Institutes Modernization Program
• FAPESP's process: 22/16879-0 - Periphyton responses to enrichment and temperature increase aiming the application of bioreactors to remove phosphorus from eutrophic environments
• Grantee: Ruan de Oliveira Carneiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate