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Understanding Harmful Algal Blooms Through Species Interactions
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) arise when algae proliferate uncontrollably, which can significantly affect aquatic ecosystems. Algae are primarily photosynthetic organisms found in various water bodies, and they primarily depend on sunlight for their energy needs. The impact of climate change has led to a marked increase in both the frequency and intensity of these blooms worldwide. Recent research conducted by scientists at Hiroshima University has shed light on the intricate interactions between different algal species and their environmental surroundings in coastal waters.
This pivotal research was detailed in a study published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin on December 15. According to So Fujiyoshi, an assistant professor at Hiroshima University’s The IDEC Institute, the research was aimed at unraveling the complexities of how harmful algal species interact with various phytoplankton and environmental conditions, including temperature and salinity. Understanding these dynamics is critically important, especially in regions like Chile, where harmful algal blooms have increasingly compromised the aquaculture sector, particularly salmon farming, which plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy as the second largest producer of salmon globally.
The study employed a sophisticated statistical approach known as empirical dynamic modeling to analyze interactions among algal species. Utilizing an extensive dataset of phytoplankton monitoring collected over 28 years, the researchers sought to determine whether environmental factors like temperature and salinity, as well as the presence of other phytoplankton species, influenced the growth of the Pseudo-nitzschia group—one of the primary contributors to harmful algal blooms.
Known for producing the neurotoxin domoic acid, Pseudo-nitzschia can lead to significant health risks if consumed, including a rare condition called amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). Symptoms of ASP can be alarming, encompassing nausea, vomiting, headache, memory loss, seizures, and in severe cases, can be fatal.
Fujiyoshi highlighted a remarkable finding: “Our research showed that Pseudo-nitzschia engages in complex interactions with other algal species. Interestingly, our data suggest that salinity might play a more crucial role than temperature, which has traditionally been considered a significant factor. Understanding this dynamic could enhance our predictive capabilities regarding harmful algal blooms.”
The research team underscored that the application of empirical dynamic modeling is just the beginning in the quest to decipher the interspecies relationships among algal groups. Future research will necessitate real-world ecological observations to validate these findings.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to expand their efforts to design biological prediction models for harmful algal blooms. Fujiyoshi stated, “Future steps will involve incorporating additional environmental variables, particularly nutrients influenced by upwelling. We aim to explore the mechanisms through which various phytoplankton species affect Pseudo-nitzschia and ultimately translate these insights into a functional prediction model to safeguard the aquaculture industry.”
More information: Ishara Uhanie Perera et al, Causal interactions among phytoplankton and Pseudo-nitzschia species revealed by empirical dynamic modelling, Marine Pollution Bulletin (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117432
Citation: Tracking algae species interactions to help predict harmful algae blooms (2025, February 7) retrieved 10 February 2025 from https://phys.org/news/2025-02-tracking-algae-species-interactions-blooms.html
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