Tolerance of Brazilian brain coral Mussismilia braziliensis to sediment and organic matter inputs

Mar Pollut Bull. 2013 Dec 15;77(1-2):55-62. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.10.033. Epub 2013 Nov 11.

Abstract

In Brazil, where reefs occur in markedly turbid environments, the relationship between sedimentation/organic matter and corals is poorly known. Thus, the ex situ effects of sediment with and without organic matter over the ΔF/Fm and physical state of Mussismilia braziliensis were analyzed. The ΔF/Fm and coral physical state, evaluated through the susceptibility index to sedimentation (SI), were measured in seven colonies exposed to sedimentation (0-450 mg cm(-2) day(-1)) free of organic matter after 45 days of exposure, and in 12 colonies exposed to sedimentation (0-500 mg cm(-2) day(-1)) with organic matter content (10%), in which case ΔF/Fm was measured after 72 h and SI after 120 h. In both cases there were effects of increasing sedimentation on the SI with no effect on ΔF/Fm. Despite the tolerance to high sedimentation rates shown by this coral, we noted that the presence of organic matter might reduce its tolerance to sedimentation stress.

Keywords: Coral; Necrosis; Organic matter; Photosynthesis; Sedimentation; Smothering.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Animals
  • Anthozoa / physiology*
  • Brazil
  • Coral Reefs*
  • Geologic Sediments / chemistry*
  • Stress, Physiological
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / toxicity

Substances

  • Water Pollutants, Chemical