Saharan dust inputs and high UVR levels jointly alter the metabolic balance of marine oligotrophic ecosystems.

ABSTRACT: The metabolic balance of the most extensive bioma on the Earth is a controversial topic of the global-change research. High ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels by the shoaling of upper mixed layers and increasing atmospheric dust deposition from arid regions may unpredictably alter the metabolic state of marine oligotrophic ecosystems. We performed an observational study across the south-western (SW) Mediterranean Sea to assess the planktonic metabolic balance and a microcosm experiment in two contrasting areas, heterotrophic nearshore and autotrophic open sea, to test whether a combined UVR × dust impact could alter their metabolic balance at mid-term scales. We show that the metabolic state of oligotrophic areas geographically varies and that the joint impact of UVR and dust inputs prompt

SUBMITTER: Cabrerizo MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5075918 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature