Effects of hypoxia on biofilms and subsequently larval settlement of benthic invertebrates

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

11 Scopus Citations
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Author(s)

  • C. Y S Chan
  • B. H K Po
  • A. L. Li
  • J. Y S Leung
  • J. W. Qiu
  • P. O. Ang
  • V. Thiyagarajan
  • P. K S Shin
  • J. M Y Chiu

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)418-424
Journal / PublicationMarine Pollution Bulletin
Volume85
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 30 Aug 2014

Abstract

Biofilms on submerged surfaces are important in determining larval settlement of most marine benthic invertebrates. We investigated if exposure of biofilms to hypoxia would alter the larval settlement pattern and result in a shift in benthic invertebrate community structure in the field. Biofilms were first exposed to hypoxia or normoxia in laboratory microcosms for 7. days, and then deployed in the field for another 7. days to allow for larval settlement and recruitment to occur. Using terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism of the 16S rRNA gene, this study showed that hypoxia altered the biofilm bacterial community composition, and the difference between the hypoxic and normoxic treatments increased with the time of exposure period. This study also demonstrated significantly different benthic invertebrate community structures as a result of biofilm exposure to hypoxia and that the hypoxic and normoxic treatments were dominated by Hydroides sp. and Folliculina sp., respectively. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Research Area(s)

  • Dissolved oxygen, Larval settlement

Citation Format(s)

Effects of hypoxia on biofilms and subsequently larval settlement of benthic invertebrates. / Cheung, S. G.; Chan, C. Y S; Po, B. H K et al.
In: Marine Pollution Bulletin, Vol. 85, No. 2, 30.08.2014, p. 418-424.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review