The Role of Biofilms Developed under Different Anthropogenic Pressure on Recruitment of Macro-Invertebrates.

ABSTRACT: Microbial biofilms can be key mediators for settlement of macrofoulers. The present study examines the coupled effects of microbial biofilms and local environmental conditions on the composition, structure and functioning of macrofouling assemblages. Settlement of invertebrates over a gradient of human-impacted sites was investigated on local biofilms and on biofilms developed in marine protected areas (MPAs). Special attention was given to the presence of non-indigenous species (NIS), a global problem that can cause important impacts on local assemblages. In general, the formation of macrofouling assemblages was influenced by the identity of the biofilm. However, these relationships varied across levels of anthropogenic pressure, possibly influenced by environmental conditions and the pro

SUBMITTER: Cacabelos E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7139543 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature