Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2018, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (1): 57-63.doi: 10.11978/2017018CSTR: 32234.14.2017018

• Orginal Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Responses of two species of reef-building corals to acidification and dissolved organic carbon enrichment*

Yajuan GUO1,2,3(), Weihua ZHOU1,2(), Xiangcheng YUAN1(), Jianzu LIAO1,2,3, Lei JIANG1,2,3, Hui HUANG1,2   

  1. 1. Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
    2. Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
    3. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
  • Received:2017-02-17 Revised:2017-06-16 Online:2018-01-20 Published:2018-02-02
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China Projects (31370499, 31370500);National Key Technology Support Program (2014BAC01B03)

Abstract:

Two common reef-building coral species in Luhuitou offshore areas, Favites complanata and Pavona decussata, were selected in our experiments. Continuous culture experiments (21 days) were conducted to evaluate the effects of acidification and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) enrichment on coral physiology. The results showed that: 1) acidification (pH 7.6) did not significantly affect the calcification rates and growth rates of these two coral species. However, in the treatment of DOC enrichment (524.03±78.42μmol•L-1), the coral calcification rates decreased by 67% and 47%, respectively; the growth rates decreased by 59% and 40%, respectively. In the combined effects of acidification and organic matter enrichment, the calcification rates decreased by 67% and 47%, respectively; the growth rates decreased by 59% and 40%, respectively, but the reduction was less than DOC enrichment alone. To some degree, these results reflected some antagonistic action. The maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm) of these two corals all increased in the early, meanwhile; Fv/Fm of Favites complanata decreased first. 2) Favites complanata and Pavona decussata responded differently to acidification and organic matter enrichment, indicating the species would have different fates in a changing environment in future.

Key words: acidification, DOC enrichment, Favites complanata, Pavona decussata, calcification rates, growth rates, Fv/Fm

CLC Number: 

  • P735.12