Effects of Tropical Cyclone Passage on Plankton Community Respiration in a Phosphate-Limited Freshwater Ecosystem
Journal
Zoological Studies
Journal Volume
62
Date Issued
2023-01-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Plankton community respiration (CR) in aquatic ecosystems varies with environmental factors, which could be altered during tropical cyclones (TCs). A potential increase in CR resulting from TCs effects is generally understudied. Here, we examined the relationship between plankton CR and environmental factors, including during TC-affected periods, in a phosphate-limited freshwater ecosystem. We conducted an intensive in situ sampling in Fei-Tsui Reservoir (FTR) from January 2010 to December 2015 during TC periods and non-TC periods. Our results showed that plankton CR increased between March to October and declined between November to February, showing its pattern over time. These changes in plankton CR, primarily supported by bacterial biomass, were positively influenced by euphotic depth-averaged temperature. The CR also significantly increased with euphotic depth-averaged NO2- concentrations and decreased with euphotic depth-averaged NO3- concentrations. These results indicated that these factors typically influenced CR dynamics in the FTR. Whereas during TC periods, the plankton CR was increased further due to a higher and ideal euphotic depth-averaged temperature (23–27°C) and also increased supply of limiting nutrient resources via stream runoff.Overall, this study showed that a TC positively influences plankton CR by setting the water condition. Notably, with a higher frequency of intense TCs projected for the Western North Pacific in most climate change scenarios, the impact of TCs on CR may become higher in the near future.
Subjects
Bacterial biomass | Oligotrophic lake | Plankton | Total community respiration | Typhoon
Type
journal article