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Citation
Tags
HERO ID
4127888
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Development of an epiphyte indicator of nutrient enrichment: A critical evaluation of observational and experimental studies
Author(s)
Nelson, WG
Year
2017
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Ecological Indicators
ISSN:
1470-160X
EISSN:
1872-7034
Volume
79
Page Numbers
207-227
DOI
10.1016/j.ecolind.2017.04.034
Web of Science Id
WOS:000406436000024
Abstract
An extensive review of the literature describing epiphytes on submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), especially seagrasses, was conducted in order to evaluate the evidence for response of epiphyte metrics to increased nutrients. Evidence from field observational studies, together with laboratory and field mesocosm experiments, was assembled from the literature and evaluated for a hypothesized positive response to nutrient addition. There was general consistency in the results to confirm that elevated nutrients tended to increase the load of epiphytes on the surface of SAV, in the absence of other limiting factors. In spite of multiple sources of uncontrolled variation, positive relationships of epiphyte load to nutrient concentration or load (either nitrogen or phosphorus) often were observed along strong anthropogenic or natural nutrient gradients in coastal regions. Such response patterns may only be evident for parts of the year. Results from both mesocosm and field experiments also generally support the increase of epiphytes with increased nutrients, although outcomes from field experiments tended to be more variable. Relatively few studies with nutrient addition in mesocosms have been done with tropical or subtropical species, and more such controlled experiments would be helpful. Experimental duration influenced results, with more positive responses of epiphytes to nutrients at shorter durations in mesocosm experiments versus more positive responses at longer durations in field experiments. In the field, response of epiphyte biomass to nutrient additions was independent of climate zone. Mesograzer activity was a critical covariate for epiphyte response under experimental nutrient elevation, but the epiphyte response was highly dependent on factors such as grazer identity and density, as well as nutrient and ambient light levels. The balance of evidence suggests that epiphytes on SAV will be a useful indicator of persistent nutrient enhancement in many situations. Careful selection of appropriate temporal and spatial constraints for data collection, and concurrent evaluation of confounding factors will help increase the signal to noise ratio for this indicator.
Keywords
Nutrient indicator; Water quality indicator; Nutrient additions; Seagrass; Rooted macrophytes
Tags
IRIS
•
Nitrate/Nitrite
Broad LitSearch 2016/1/1 - 2017/12/5
Refs found by LitSearch but not ATSDR/IARC
WoS
Refs found only by 2017 LitSearch or Citation Mapping
Ref Types 12/2017
All Others
LitSearch Update 2016-2017
WoS
NAAQS
•
ISA NOxSOxPM Ecology (2018)
Cited in the Second Draft
Appendix 10
•
ISA NOxSOxPM Ecology (2020- Final Project Page)
Cited
Appendix 10
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