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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Effects of microalgal exudates and intact cells on subtropical marine zooplankton

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Author(s):
Silva, Naira J. [1] ; Tang, Kam W. [2] ; Lopes, Rubens M. [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biol Oceanog, Oceanog Inst, BR-05508120 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Virginia Inst Marine Sci, Coll William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA 23062 - USA
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Journal of Plankton Research; v. 35, n. 4, p. 855-865, JUL-AUG 2013.
Web of Science Citations: 8
Abstract

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) affect coastal waters worldwide and very often lead to the disruption of seafood harvesting and commercial activities, because of potential hazards to human health associated with the consumption of contaminated mussels, crustaceans and fish. HAB events are frequently caused by outbreaks of toxin-producing dinoflagellates, which are subject to top-down control by zooplankton. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of dinoflagellate exudates and intact cells on the survivorship and mobility of zooplankton taxa from a subtropical location (Ubatuba, Brazil). Lethal effects were observed in five out of six taxa investigated, three of which (copepod nauplii, tintinnids and gastropod larvae) when exposed to dinoflagellate exudates and two (rotifers and brachyuran zoeae) when exposed to intact cells. In addition, gastropod larvae displayed mobility impairment during exposure to dinoflagellate exudates. Only polychaete larvae were not apparently affected during the course of the experiments. Zooplankton responses usually varied according to the dinoflagellate species tested. For instance, exudates from Alexandrium tamiyavanichii, Gonyaulax sp. and Gymnodinium sp. decreased survivorship of planktonic copepod nauplii but did not affect bottom-dwelling harpacticoid nauplii, which were in turn killed by exudates from Prorocentrum lima, a epibenthic dinoflagellate. These results suggest that HAB events do not cause indiscriminate zooplankton mortality, but may instead generate community shifts and complex cascading effects through the pelagic and benthic food web. Species-specific monitoring of zooplankton responses to HABs is therefore an important step to understand the ecological implications of dinoflagellate outbreaks in coastal waters, and their impact on marine farming activities. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 10/04678-3 - Influence of a potentially harmful microalgae in feeding and reproduction of copepods: a experimental approach
Grantee:Naira Juliana da Silva Kanemoto
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master