Phytoplankton community dynamics during late spring coccolithophore blooms at the continental margin of the Celtic Sea (North East Atlantic, 2006–2008)

in Progress in Oceanography (2012), 114

We determined the spatial and temporal dynamics of major phytoplankton groups in relation to biogeochemical and physical variables during the late spring coccolithophore blooms (May-June) along and across ... [more ▼]

We determined the spatial and temporal dynamics of major phytoplankton groups in relation to biogeochemical and physical variables during the late spring coccolithophore blooms (May-June) along and across the continental margin of the northern Bay of Biscay (2006-2008). Photosynthetic biomass (Chla) of the dominant plankton groups was determined by CHEMTAX analysis of HPLC pigment signatures. We used uni- and multivariate statistical techniques to identify the main physical and biogeochemical variables underlying the variation in phytoplankton biomass and community structure. Phytoplankton standing stock biomass varied substantially between and during the campaigns (areal Chla (mg Chla m-2) in June 2006: 63.8 ± 26.5, May 2007: 27.9 ± 8.4, and May 2008: 41.3 ± 21.8), reflecting the different prevailing weather, irradiance, and sea surface temperature conditions between the campaigns. Coccolithophores, represented mainly by Emiliania huxleyi, and diatoms were the dominant phytoplankton groups, with a maximal contribution of, respectively, 72% and 89% of the total Chla. Prasinophytes, dinoflagellates, and chrysophytes often co-occurred during coccolithophorid blooms, while diatoms dominated the phytoplankton biomass independently of the abundance of other groups. The location of the stations on the shelf or on the slope side of the continental margin did not influence the biomass and the composition of the phytoplankton community despite significantly stronger water column stratification and lower nutrient concentrations on the shelf. The alternation between diatom and coccolithophorid blooms of similar biomasses, following the mostly diatom-dominated main spring bloom, was partly driven by changes in nutrient stoichiometry (N:P and dSi:N). High concentrations of transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) were associated with stratified, coccolithophore-rich water masses, which probably originated from the slope of the continental margin and warmed during advection onto the shelf. Although we did not determine the proportion of export production attributed to phytoplankton groups, the abundance of coccolithophores, TEP, and coccoliths may affect the carbon export efficiency through increased sinking rates of particles formed by aggregation of TEP and coccoliths. [less ▲]

Biogeochemistry and carbon mass balance of a coccolithophore bloom in the northern Bay of Biscay (June 2006)

in Deep-Sea Research Part I, Oceanographic Research Papers (2011), 58(2), 111-127

Primary production (PP), calcification (CAL), bacterial production (BP) and dark community respiration (DCR) were measured along with a set of various biogeochemical variables, in early June 2006, at ... [more ▼]

Primary production (PP), calcification (CAL), bacterial production (BP) and dark community respiration (DCR) were measured along with a set of various biogeochemical variables, in early June 2006, at several stations at the shelf break of the northern Bay of Biscay. The cruise was carried out after the main spring diatom bloom that, based on the analysis of a time-series of remotely sensed chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), peaked in mid-April. Remotely sensed sea surface temperature (SST) indicated the occurrence of enhanced vertical mixing (due to internal tides) at the continental slope, while adjacent waters on the continental shelf were stratified, as confirmed by vertical profiles of temperature acquired during the cruise. The surface layer of the stratified water masses (on the continental shelf) was depleted of inorganic nutrients. Dissolved silicate (DSi) levels probably did not allow significant diatom development. We hypothesize that mixing at the continental slope allowed the injection of inorganic nutrients that triggered the blooming of mixed phytoplanktonic communities dominated by coccolithophores (Emiliania huxleyi) that were favoured with regards to diatoms due to the low DSi levels. Based on this conceptual frame, we used an indicator of vertical stratification to classify the different sampled stations, and to reconstruct the possible evolution of the bloom from the onset at the continental slope (triggered by vertical mixing) through its development as the water mass was advected on-shelf and stratified. We also established a carbon mass balance at each station by integrating in the photic layer PP, CAL and DCR. This allowed computation at each station of the contribution of PP, CAL and DCR to CO2 fluxes in the photic layer, and how they changed from one station to another along the sequence of bloom development (as traced by the stratification indicator). This also showed a shift from net autotrophy to net heterotrophy as the water mass aged (stratified), and suggested the importance of extracellular production of carbon to sustain the bacterial demand in the photic and aphotic layers. [less ▲]

Individual and interacting effects of pCO2 and temperature on Emiliania huxleyi calcification: Study of the calcite production, the coccolith morphology and the coccosphere size

in Biogeosciences (2010), 7

The impact of ocean acidification and increased water temperature on marine ecosystems, in particular those involving calcifying organisms, has been gradually recognised. We examined the individual and ... [more ▼]

The impact of ocean acidification and increased water temperature on marine ecosystems, in particular those involving calcifying organisms, has been gradually recognised. We examined the individual and combined effects of increased pCO2 (180 ppm V CO2, 380 ppm V CO2 and 750 ppm V CO2 corresponding to past, present and future CO2 conditions, respectively) and temperature (13°C and 18°C) during the calcification phase of the coccolithophore E. huxleyi using batch culture experiments. We showed that the cell abundance-normalized particulate organic carbon concentration (POC) increased from the present to the future CO2 treatments. A significant effect of pCO2 and of temperature on calcification was found, manifesting itself in a lower cell abundance-normalized particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) content as well as a lower PIC:POC ratio at future CO2 levels and at 18°C. Coccosphere-sized particles showed a size reduction trend with both increasing temperature and CO2 concentration. The influence of the different treatments on coccolith morphology was studied by categorizing SEM coccolith micrographs. The number of well-formed coccoliths decreased with increasing pCO2 while temperature did not have a significant impact on coccolith morphology. No interacting effect of pCO2 and temperature was observed on calcite production, coccolith morphology or on coccosphere size. Finally, our results suggest that ocean acidification might have a larger adverse impact on coccolithophorid calcification than surface water warming. [less ▲]

Biogeochemistry and carbon budget during a coccolithophorid bloom in the northern Bay of Biscay (June 2006)

Poster (2009, April 19)

Carbon cycling processes (primary production (PPp), calcification (CAL), bacterial production and pelagic community respiration (PCR)) and variables (partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) and total alkalinity ... [more ▼]

Carbon cycling processes (primary production (PPp), calcification (CAL), bacterial production and pelagic community respiration (PCR)) and variables (partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) and total alkalinity (TA)) were measured in early June 2006 at several stations in the northern Bay of Biscay. These measurements were characterized with respect to the coccolithophorid blooming (growth or decline) based on satellite remote sensing (high reflectance (HR)) and other biogeochemical measurements i.e. inorganic nutrients, chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), phaeopigments (Phaeo), particulate inorganic carbon (PIC), particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate nitrogen (PN)). The major HR patch was located over the shelf, along the continental margin and corresponded to declining bloom conditions characterized by moderate Chl-a <1.0 µg L-1, dissolved phosphate (PO4) depletion, low (<2.0 µmol L-1) dissolved silicate (DSi), low potential primary production (<0.25 µmol C L-1 h-1) and calcification rates (0.02-0.10 µmol C L-1 h-1). Yet, surface waters were undersaturated in CO2 with respect to atmospheric equilibrium. We present a coherent scheme of the C dynamics of a coccolithophorid bloom along the continental margin of the Bay of Biscay, an active hydrodynamic area, based on standing stocks and processes including 14C-based particulate primary production, CAL and PCR. A carbon budget obtained by integrating PPp, CAL and PCR over the water column highlights the importance of C extracellular production to sustain the bacterial demand in the twilight zone, which has also several repercussions on the fate of organic and inorganic C production in the photic zone during the different stages of the bloom. [less ▲]

Abundance and size distribution of transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) in a coccolithophorid bloom in the northern Bay of Biscay

in Deep-Sea Research Part I, Oceanographic Research Papers (2009), 56(8), 1251-1265

The distribution of transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) was investigated during a coccolithophorid bloom in the northern Bay of Biscay (North Atlantic Ocean) in early June 2006. MODIS chlorophyll-a ... [more ▼]

The distribution of transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) was investigated during a coccolithophorid bloom in the northern Bay of Biscay (North Atlantic Ocean) in early June 2006. MODIS chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and reflectance images before and during the cruise were used to localize areas of important biological activity and high reflectance (HR). TEP profiles along the continental margin, determined using microscopic (TEPmicro) and colorimetric (TEPcolor) methods, showed abundant (6.1 x 10(6)-4.4 x 10(7) L-1) and relatively small (0.5-20 mu m) particles, leading to a low total volume fraction (0.05-2.2 ppm) of TEPmicro and similar vertical profiles of TEPcolor Estimates of carbon content in TEP (TEP-C) derived from the microscopic approach yielded surface concentration of 1.50 mu mol CL-1. The contribution of TEP-C to particulate organic carbon (POC) was estimated to be 12% (molar C ratio) during this survey. Our results suggest that TEP formation is a probable first step to rapid and efficient export of C during declining coccolithophorid blooms. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. [less ▲]

Coccolithophore bloom dynamics shape bacterioplankton communities in the northern Bay of Biscay

Poster (2008, August 17)

Coccolithophores (Prymnesiophyceae) such as Emiliania huxleyi belong to the most productive calcifying organisms in the oceans. During two consecutive years we assessed bacterial diversity and dynamics ... [more ▼]

Coccolithophores (Prymnesiophyceae) such as Emiliania huxleyi belong to the most productive calcifying organisms in the oceans. During two consecutive years we assessed bacterial diversity and dynamics during the course of spring phytoplankton blooms dominated by coccolithophores in the northern part of the Bay of Biscay. Bacterioplankton community composition was assessed by means of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) in combination with 16S rRNA gene clone libraries. We used ordination analysis to relate bacterioplankton community dynamics to phytoplankton pigment data and environmental parameters (nutrient concentrations, total alkalinity, concentration of transparent exopolymeric particles (TEP), pCO2). We found a clear difference in composition between the free-living and the particle-associated bacterial assemblage, with the identified Flavobacteria and Sphingobacteria phylotypes being characteristic for the particle-associated bacterial assemblage and Alfaproteobacteria and members of the SAR86 cluster dominating the free-living bacterial assemblage. Stations along the continental margin, at different stages in the coccolithophore bloom, were characterized by distinct bacterial assemblages which correlated well with changes in phytoplankton community composition and TEP abundance. We hypothesize that coccolithophore bloom dynamics shape both the free-living and the particle associated bacterial assemblages through phytoplankton group-specific associations and TEP production [less ▲]

Biogeochemistry of a late marginal coccolithophorid bloom in the Bay of Biscay

Conference (2007, April 15)

Coccolithophores, among which Emiliania huxleyi (Ehux) is the most abundant and widespread species, are the dominant calcifying phytoplankton in the temperate zone of the world’s oceans. Within the ... [more ▼]

Coccolithophores, among which Emiliania huxleyi (Ehux) is the most abundant and widespread species, are the dominant calcifying phytoplankton in the temperate zone of the world’s oceans. Within the framework of the “Climate and Atmosphere” Belgian Federal Science Policy Office programme, the continental margin of the Northern Bay of Biscay (North Atlantic Ocean) was visited in June 2006 during a multidisciplinary investigation of a late-spring bloom dominated by Ehux. Field sampling was assisted by daily transmission to the RV Belgica of remote sensing images, indicating the bloom development in the area. Various stations on the shelf and the shelf-break were sampled for the vertical distributions of nutrients, Transparent Exopolymer Particles (TEP), chlorophyll-a and particulate carbon concentrations. These data will be presented, here, in relation with 14C based integrated primary production, dissolved esterase activity and the bacterial community structure to emphasize the importance of coccolithophorid blooms in the biogeochemistry of the Northern Atlantic’s continental shelf. [less ▲]