Decreasing pH affects Seagrass Epiphyte Communities

Abstract

Increasing CO 2 in the atmosphere is affecting marine ecosystems, including seagrass beds. Epiphytes are a component of seagrass ecosystems. Epiphytes make a significant contribution as important primary producers in the food chain. Increasing atmospheric CO 2 leads to a decrease in oceanic pH that can result in an unfavorable environment for the epiphytic community. This study was conducted to determine the effect of increasing CO 2 on seagrass epiphytic communities and biomass. Using a field experiment, we manipulated dissolved carbon dioxide to 800 - 1000 ppm in line with the forecast increase in atmospheric CO 2 levels in the year 2100. In situ C0 2 manipulations were conducted using an open-top mesocosm. The CO 2 enrichment was conducted by adding CO 2 at a concentration around 800 - 1000 ppm. This CO 2 was injected directly using a pump and hose to the acrylic mesocosm chamber. Epiphyte community structure was affected, with an increase in the abundance of filamentous algae but a decrease in the coralline algae community in the CO2 enriched treatment units. Overall, CO 2 enrichment had no effect on epiphyte biomass.

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