Switching harmful algal blooms to submerged macrophytes in shallow waters using geo-engineering methods: evidence from a 15N tracing study

Zhang, H., Shang, Y., Lyu, T. ORCID: 0000-0001-5162-8103, Chen, J. and Pan, G. ORCID: 0000-0003-0920-3018, 2018. Switching harmful algal blooms to submerged macrophytes in shallow waters using geo-engineering methods: evidence from a 15N tracing study. Environmental Science & Technology. ISSN 0013-936X

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Abstract

The switch of dominance from algae to macrophytes is crucial for sustainability of lake ecosystems subject to human-induced eutrophication. The transition of algal blooms into macrophytes can transfer excess algae-sourced nutrients, thereby mitigating eutrophication. This process, however, rarely occurs in an algal bloom dominated waters. Here, we examined a hypothesis under different temperatures that the transition of algal bloom into macrophyte can be facilitated by using in-lake geo-engineering methods through reestablishing the growing conditions of macrophytes and triggering their uptake of algal-sourced nutrients. The results showed that flocculation-capping could not only remove Microcystis aeruginosa blooms from water column but also facilitate algal decomposition and incorporation into submerged macrophyte (Potamogeton crispus) biomass. The Chl-a concentrations could be significantly reduced after using flocculation-capping technology. Photosynthesis and respiration of M. aeruginosa cells were inhibited following flocculation and cell autolysis occurred in the treated systems compared with the control. The labeling test using 15N revealed that between 3.3% and 34.8% of Microcystis-derived nitrogen could be assimilated by P. crispus at 8℃ and 25℃, respectively. The study demonstrated that flocculation-capping method can facilitate the switch from algal to macrophyte-dominated state, which is crucial for restoring the aquatic ecosystem.

Item Type:	Journal article
Alternative Title:	Switching tansforming harmful algal blooms to submerged macrophytes by lake geo-engineering methods
Publication Title:	Environmental Science & Technology
Creators:	Zhang, H., Shang, Y., Lyu, T., Chen, J. and Pan, G.
Publisher:	American Chemical Society
Date:	12 September 2018
ISSN:	0013-936X
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1021/acs.est.8b04153 DOI
Divisions:	Schools > School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	24 Sep 2018 10:29
Last Modified:	12 Sep 2019 03:00
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/34549

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