Metal concentration and structural changes in Corallina elongata (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) from hydrothermal vents.
Shallow-water hydrothermal activity is widely present at Azores archipelago. Organisms in such environments present great potential as sentinels of the effects derived from chronically exposure to increased temperature, metal concentrations and reduced pH. This study aimed to evaluate metal concentration in Corallina elongata collected at locations exposed and not exposed to shallow-water hydrothermal activity and evaluate changes in its calcareous structure. Elemental concentration was determined and morphometric analysis was performed by scanning electron microscopy. Thicker cell walls and a bleached appearance were observed on C. elongata specimens from the hydrothermally active location, as well as increased concentrations of elements associated to volcanic activity. This study reports on metal accumulation and morphometric changes in the calcareous structure of C. elongata from a hydrothermally active location, adding new data for further research on such habitats and communities, providing an insight on how coralline algae might be affected by ocean acidification.
Couto
Ruben P
RP
CIRN - Centro de Investigação de Recursos Naturais, Universidade dos Açores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Apartado 1422, Portugal. coutoruben@uac.pt
Neto
Ana I
AI
Rodrigues
Armindo S
AS
D001267:Atlantic Ocean; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D055593:Geological Phenomena; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008670:Metals / Q000737:chemistry*; D000461:Rhodophyta / Q000737:chemistry*; D012623:Seawater / Q000737:chemistry; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000737:chemistry
D008670:Metals; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical