Bloom dynamics and propagation of the dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella

Alegria, J. (2017) Bloom dynamics and propagation of the dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella. Master's Thesis / Essay, Marine Biology.

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Abstract

Harmful algal bloom (HAB) increase the area and concentration due to the ocean currents and the allelopathic interactions with the planktonic community. The present study investigates the population dynamics of Alexandrium catenella in a planktonic community along a nutrient gradient. To do so, a semicontinuous metacommunity experiment was performed using five interconnected flasks with a non-toxic planktonic community in each. A. catenella was added at two different nutrient concentrations (either highest or lowest nutrient concentration position) and dispersal between flasks was allowed. The results showed that dispersal is a suitable mechanism for A. catenella propagation and growth. A. catenella had a harmful allelopathic effect on the planktonic community after nutrients dropped, reducing the abundance of the other phytoplankton species only in the higher nutrient concentration positions of the gradient and regardless of the A. catenella concentration. This showed that harmful allelopathic effect can also depend on environmental conditions. Also, a theoretical model was used to determine how interrupted dispersal times affected the bloom dynamics, and the results showed that interrupted dispersal could favour bloom dispersal.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master's Thesis / Essay)
Degree programme:	Marine Biology
Thesis type:	Master's Thesis / Essay
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	15 Feb 2018 08:33
Last Modified:	15 Feb 2018 08:33
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/16091

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