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Agricultural aerosols may increase the growth of HAB-forming Alexandrium minutum in batch cultures under natural seawater conditions
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DOI:10.1016/j.hal.2026.103111.png)
Abstract
En 中文
Agricultural aerosols are an understudied source of additional nutrients to coastal ecosystems that are affected by harmful algal blooms (HABs). To investigate the possible effects of these aerosols towards HABs, aerosol samples were obtained from an agricultural municipality in the northwest Philippines from May to October 2023 and their macronutrient composition (NH3, PO4, and NOX) was determined. Aerosol samples showed elevated levels of NH3 and low NOX:NH3 ratio values, a characteristic of aerosols from agricultural areas. Batch cultures were carried out to determine the effects of the aerosols on the HAB-causing species Alexandrium minutum under enriched (supplemented with nutrient media) and unenriched nutrient conditions (natural seawater). Additional aerosol input enhanced growth under unenriched nutrient conditions, but not under nutrient-rich scenarios, highlighting the context-dependent nature of aerosol effects. These findings provide evidence that aerosols can influence HAB development under certain conditions. Given the economic impact of HABs on aquaculture, our findings have important implications for coastal policymaking, particularly in the context of rising anthropogenic activities. A refined understanding of aerosol influences on coastal ecosystem dynamics can also support the development of more effective management strategies to mitigate HAB occurrences.
Keywords:
Nitrate
Ammonia
Aquaculture
Eutrophication
Trace metals
Micronutrients
Journal
IF:
4.5
Papers:
2.5K
Citations:
9.2K
