Evaluating global change in Patagonia

We studied the phytoplankton responses to solar radiation under increased nutrients and acidification.

Sunrise in the Chubut River estuary, Patagonia, Argentina.

Global change produce varied effects on phytoplankton. In this work we studied their responses to solar radiation in a future scenario in which the Chubut River estuary will receive a higher input of nutrients (due to increased use of fertilizers, waste discharges, etc.) and its waters will be more acidified (due to the release of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere). Diatoms were benefited under these future conditions, having increased growth rates and higher and more efficient use of solar energy.

The article was published in the journal Marine Chemistry (click to publisher’s site).

Complete reference

Villafañe, V.E., M.S. Valiñas, M.J. Cabrerizo & E.W. Helbling. 2015. Physio-ecological responses of Patagonian coastal marine phytoplankton in a scenario of global change: Role of acidification, nutrients and solar UVR. Marine Chemistry. En Prensa.

Funding

This work was supported by Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas -CONICET, Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica – ANPCyT and Fundación Playa Unión.