Document of bibliographic reference 324208

BibliographicReference record

Type

Bibliographic resource

Type of document

Journal article

BibLvlCode

AS

Title

On the potential use of magnesium and strontium concentrations as ecological indicators in the calcite skeleton of the red coral (Corallium rubrum)

Abstract

The variability of magnesium, strontium and calcium concentrations in the two skeleton types (sclerites and axis) of the red coral (Corallium rubrum) was assessed by using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and microprobe analysis as a prerequisite for their use as ecological indicators. Axis cross sections showed light and dark circular growth bands corresponding to fast and slow growth, respectively. Using microprobe analyses the Mg and Sr concentrations ranged from 2.8 to 3.0% and from 0.21 to 0.29%, respectively, in the sclerites and from 2.4 to 3.0% and from 0.1 to 0.28%, respectively, in the axis. Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios varied within sclerites (average, 12% for both ratios) and within the axis of single colonies (average, 20% for Mg/Ca and 48% for Sr/Ca). Sr/Ca ratios in the axis were lower in fast-growing branch tips than in older, more basal parts of the colonies, whereas the Mg/Ca ratio did not differ significantly between colony regions. Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios in the axis decreased significantly with depth, and we estimated an increase of the Mg/Ca ratio of 0.004–0.006 per degree Celsius. In all depth layers, Sr/Ca ratios showed a significant direct relationship with skeleton density in axis cross sections, whereas there was no significant relationship for Mg/Ca. Overall, our data indicate that temperature promotes the incorporation of Mg in C. rubrum as in other calcite skeletons, whereas Sr concentrations are inversely related to growth rate. This preliminary study suggests that Mg and Sr concentrations in the axis of the red coral have a strong potential as ecological indicator for temperature and growth rate.

WebOfScience code

https://www.webofscience.com/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:000166005800006

Bibliographic citation

Weinbauer, M.G.; Brandstatter, F.; Velimirov, B. (2000). On the potential use of magnesium and strontium concentrations as ecological indicators in the calcite skeleton of the red coral (Corallium rubrum). Mar. Biol. (Berl.) 137(5-6): 801-809. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002270000432

Topic

Marine

Is peer reviewed

true