Freshwater Salinization Impacts the Interspecific Competition between Microcystis and Scenedesmus
Author:
Gao Tianheng12, Li Yinkang1, Xue Wenlei1, Pan Yueqiang1, Zhu Xuexia1
Affiliation:
1. Department of Marine Biology, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing 210098, China 2. Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-Resources Sustainable Utilization and College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
Abstract
Freshwater salinization is a growing environmental issue caused by various anthropic or natural factors that lead to changes in water chemistry and physical conditions, affecting the survival and diversity of phytoplankton. In this study, we tested the physiological, morphological and interspecific competition of the freshwater cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa and the green algae Scenedesmus obliquus to salinity stress. Results demonstrated that increasing salinity had a significant negative effect on the growth of M. aeruginosa and S. obliquus. M. aeruginosa showed a decline in growth rate with increasing salinity, while S. obliquus showed a lower growth rate under salinity stress but with no significant difference between the two salinity groups. In cocultures, S. obliquus outcompeted M. aeruginosa, and the displacement was accelerated with increasing salinity. The photosynthetic performance of both algae was affected by salinity, the presence of competitors, and the cultivation time. S. obliquus showed morphological variations under salinity stress and the presence of a competitor. The study suggests that salinity stress and competition can have a significant impact on the growth and performance of algae species. The findings of our study suggest that the salinization of freshwater can impact the interspecific interactions among phytoplankton, which play a crucial role in the functioning of freshwater ecosystems.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province
Subject
Water Science and Technology,Aquatic Science,Geography, Planning and Development,Biochemistry
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