6533b85efe1ef96bd12bfe44
RESEARCH PRODUCT
The buffer effect of canopy-forming algae on vermetid reefs' functioning: A multiple stressor case study.
Maria Cristina ManganoMar Bosch-belmarGianluca SaràGiacomo Milisendasubject
0106 biological sciencesPollutionSettore BIO/07 - Ecologiamedia_common.quotation_subjectBiodiversitySewageIntertidal zoneAquatic ScienceOceanography010603 evolutionary biology01 natural sciencesMediterranean SeaAnimals14. Life underwaterReefIntertidal marine reefmedia_commongeographygeography.geographical_feature_categoryCommunityResiliencebusiness.industryEcologyCoral Reefs010604 marine biology & hydrobiologyStressorTemperatureDisturbanceBiodiversity15. Life on landAnthozoaPollutionDisturbance (ecology)13. Climate actionEnvironmental sciencebusinessdescription
Abstract Biodiversity plays a key role for our planet by buffering ongoing and future changes in environmental conditions. We tested if canopy-forming algae enhancing biodiversity (CEB) in a Mediterranean intertidal reef ecological community could alleviate the effect of stressors (heat waves and pollution from sewage) on community metabolic rates (as expressed by oxygen consumption) used as a proxy of community functioning. CEB exerted a buffering effect related to the properties of stressor: physical-pulsing (heat wave) and chronic-trophic (sewage). After a simulated heat wave, CEB was effective in buffering the impacts of detrimental temperatures on the functioning of the community. In reefs exposed to chronic sewage effluents, benefits derived from CEB were less evident, which is likely due to the stressor's contextual action. The results support the hypothesis that ecological responses depend on stressor typology acting at local level and provide insights for improving management measures to mitigate anthropogenic disturbance.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-10-01 | Marine pollution bulletin |