Effects of increasing dissolved CO2 and mineral dust deposition on dinoflagellate growth in the northern Arabian Sea ecosystem

Alexandra Renee Bausch, Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory, abausch@ldeo.columbia.edu (Presenter)
Fulvio Boatta, INGV - Palermo, fulvioboatta@gmail.com
Peter L. Morton, Florida State University, pmorton@fsu.edu
Robert F. Anderson, Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory, boba@ldeo.columbia.edu
Kali T. McKee, Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory, kmckee@ldeo.columbia.edu
Helga do Rosario Gomes, Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University, helga@ldeo.columbia.edu
Joaquim Ignacio Goés, Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory, jig@ldeo.columbia.edu

The northern Arabian Sea is strongly influenced by mineral dust deposition, especially off the coast of Oman. This marine ecosystem with high dust inputs may be particularly sensitive to increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations and regional warming. Recent unprecedented changes in biological productivity and decreased biodiversity within the ecosystem have likely resulted from the expansion of low pH, low oxygen waters. To examine the biological effects of increasing atmospheric CO2 and elevated dust inputs, several controlled laboratory incubation experiments were conducted using Cochlodinium polykrikoides, a toxic mixotrophic dinoflagellate recently observed in the Arabian Sea. Although dust may provide the micronutrient iron to stimulate phytoplankton growth, it may also contain potentially toxic trace metals. Elevated concentrations of nickel and cadmium were measured following dust additions at low pH; under these conditions, growth of the dinoflagellate was inhibited. Threshold toxicity responses of nickel and cadmium on C. polykrikoides growth were assessed. Anthropogenic climate change may have a profound influence on biological productivity in the northern Arabian Sea, as well as in other vulnerable marine ecosystems.

Presentation Type:  Poster

Session:  Theme 4: Human influence on global ecosystems   (Mon 4:30 PM)

Associated Project(s): 

• Related Activity: Related Activity or Previously Funded CC&E Activity not listed ...details

Poster Location ID: 21