Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.3390/microorganisms8081218
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) Adaptation of Coccomyxa sp. to extremely low light conditions causes deep chlorophyll and oxygen maxima in acidic pit lakes
Author Sánchez-España, J.; Falagán, C.; Ayala, D.; Wendt-Potthoff, K. ORCID logo
Source Titel Microorganisms
Year 2020
Department SEEFO
Volume 8
Page From art. 1218
Language englisch
Supplements https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/8/8/1218/s1
Keywords acidophiles; deep chlorophyll maxima; green algae; phytoplankton; photosynthetically active radiation; dissolved oxygen; primary production; Coccomyxa sp.
Abstract Deep chlorophyll maxima (DCM) and metalimnetic oxygen maxima (MOM) are outstanding biogeochemical features of acidic pit lakes (APL). However, knowledge of the eukaryotic phototrophs responsible for their formation is limited. We aimed at linking the dynamics of phototrophic communities inhabiting meromictic APL in Spain with the formation of these characteristic layers. Firstly, the dynamics of DCM and MOM and their relation to physico-chemical parameters (photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), pH, dissolved ferric iron concentration, temperature), pigments and nutrient distribution is described; secondly, the phototrophic community composition is studied through a combination of microscopy, biomolecular and “omics” tools. Phototrophic communities of the studied APL show a low diversity dominated by green microalgae, specifically Coccomyxa sp., which have been successfully adapted to the chemically harsh conditions. DCM and MOM are usually non-coincident. DCM correspond to layers where phototrophs have higher chlorophyll content per cell to cope with extremely low PAR (<1 µmol m−2 s−1), but where photosynthetic oxygen production is limited. MOM correspond to shallower waters with more light, higher phytoplankton biomass and intense photosynthetic activity, which affects both oxygen concentration and water temperature. The main drivers of DCM formation in these APL are likely the need for nutrient uptake and photo-acclimation.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=23473
Sánchez-España, J., Falagán, C., Ayala, D., Wendt-Potthoff, K. (2020):
Adaptation of Coccomyxa sp. to extremely low light conditions causes deep chlorophyll and oxygen maxima in acidic pit lakes
Microorganisms 8 , art. 1218 10.3390/microorganisms8081218