Changes in microbial communities associated with the sea anemone Anemonia viridis in a natural pH gradient
Meron, D.; Buia, M.C.; Fine, M.; Banin, E. (2013). Changes in microbial communities associated with the sea anemone Anemonia viridis in a natural pH gradient. Microb. Ecol. 65(2): 269-276. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00248-012-0127-6 In: Microbial Ecology. Springer: New York,. ISSN 0095-3628; e-ISSN 1432-184X, more |  |
| Keywords | Climate Change
Marine Sciences > Marine Sciences General
Scientific Community
Scientific Publication
Marine/Coastal |
| Project | Top | Authors | - Association of European marine biological laboratories, more
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| Authors | | Top | - Meron, D.
- Buia, M.C., more
- Fine, M.
- Banin, E.
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| Abstract | Ocean acidification, resulting from rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, is a pervasive stressor that can affect many marine organisms and their symbionts. Studies which examine the host physiology and microbial communities have shown a variety of responses to the ocean acidification process. Recently, several studies were conducted based on field experiments, which take place in natural CO2 vents, exposing the host to natural environmental conditions of varying pH. This study examines the sea anemone Anemonia viridis which is found naturally along the pH gradient in Ischia, Italy, with an aim to characterize whether exposure to pH impacts the holobiont. The physiological parameters of A. viridis (Symbiodinium density, protein, and chlorophyll a+c concentration) and its microbial community were monitored. Although reduction in pH was seen to have had an impact on composition and diversity of associated microbial communities, no significant changes were observed in A. viridis physiology, and no microbial stress indicators (i.e., pathogens, antibacterial activity, etc.) were detected. In light of these results, it appears that elevated CO2 does not have a negative influence on A. viridis that live naturally in the site. This suggests that natural long-term exposure and dynamic diverse microbial communities may contribute to the acclimation process of the host in a changing pH environment. |
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