Are submarine groundwater discharges affecting the structure and physiological status of rocky intertidal communities? | - CCMAR -

Journal Article

TítuloAre submarine groundwater discharges affecting the structure and physiological status of rocky intertidal communities?
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsPiló, D, Barbosa, AB, Teodósio, MA, Encarnação, J, Leitão, F, Range, P, Krug, LA, Cruz, J, Chícharo, L
Year of Publication2018
JournalMarine Environmental Research
Volume136
Date PublishedJan-05-2018
Pagination158 - 173
ISSN01411136
Abstract

This study evaluated the impacts of submarine groundwater discharges (SGD) on a rocky intertidal community of South Portugal, during April–November 2011. Chlorophyll-a concentration was higher at the SGD site in respect to the Reference site. Epibenthic community structure differed between sites, with an increase in Chthamalus spp. and a decrease in macroalgae coverage at the SGD site. The abundance and body size of Mytilus galloprovincialis were consistently higher at the SGD site. During mid-spring, under potentially higher SGD and less favorable conditions for coastal phytoplankton, the ecophysiological condition of M. galloprovincialis and G. umbilicalis was also higher at the SGD site. These beneficial effects on filter-feeders and herbivores probably resulted from local increases in prey availability, supported by SGD-driven nutrient inputs. Conversely, P. depressa was not favoured by SGD, probably due to a lower dependency on algae as food. The analysis of epibenthic community structure and ecophysiological condition represents a promising approach to disentangle the ecological impacts of SGD on intertidal ecosystems.

URLhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141113617306803
DOI10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.02.013
Short TitleMarine Environmental Research
CCMAR Authors