Evidence for better microphytobenthos dynamics in mixed sand/mud zones than in pure sand or mud intertidal flats (Seine estuary, Normandy, France)

TitreEvidence for better microphytobenthos dynamics in mixed sand/mud zones than in pure sand or mud intertidal flats (Seine estuary, Normandy, France)
Type de publicationJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuteursMorelle, J, Claquin, P, Orvain, F
JournalPLOS ONE
Volume15
Ticket8
Pagination e0237211
Date Published08/2020
Résumé

Understanding the dynamics of microphytobenthos biomass and photosynthetic performances in intertidal ecosystems will help advance our understanding of how trophic networks function in order to optimize ecological management and restoration projects. The main objective of this study was to investigate microphytobenthic biomass and photosynthetic performances as a function of the sedimentary and environmental variabilities in the range of intertidal habitats in the downstream Seine estuary (Normandy, France). Our results highlight higher biomass associated with more stratified biofilms and better photosynthetic performances in areas characterized by a sand/mud mixture (40–60% of mud) compared to pure sand or pure mud environments. This type of sediment probably offers an efficient trade-off between the favorable characteristics of the two types of sediments (sand and mud) with respect to light penetration and nutrient accessibility. Moreover, the large quantities of exopolysaccharides produced in sand/mud mixtures emphasizes the functional role played by microphytobenthos in promoting sediment stability against erosion. This allows us to show that despite the strong increase in sand content of the downstream Seine estuary, intertidal flats are still productive since microphytobenthic biomass, photosynthetic performances and exopolysaccharides secretion are highest in sand-mud mixtures. This study also underlines the impact of ecosystem modifications due to human disturbance and climate change on the dynamics of key primary producers in estuaries.

DOI10.1371/journal.pone.0237211
Catégorie HCERES
ACL - Articles dans des revues à comité de lecture
Publication coopération et recherche SUD
Non