Examining how seagrass decomposition contributes to trophic pathways in marine ecosystems is crucial in understanding seagrass production. Decomposition rates of seagrasses may depend on many factors such as chemical composition and microbial colonization. In this study, microbial colonization and changes in chemical composition of decomposing material (necromass) of Smooth Ribbon Seagrass, Cymodocea rotundata of Bogtong Bay, Lahuy Island, Caramoan, Philippines were monitored. Seagrass litter were placed in litterbags and incubated in the seagrass meadow in situ for 56 d. Serial dilution, viable plate counts and microbial oxygen consumption analyses were done and gravimetry, Kjeldahl method and acid hydrolysis were used respectively to measure the change in carbohydrate, protein and nitrogen content of the decomposing necromass. Results showed that the decomposition processing rate was 0.27 to 2.51% biomass (g dw) loss per day with a half-life of 2.36 to 2.88 d. Growth of bacteria was greater than fungi throughout the course of experiment. Bacterial abundance (CFU mL-1) fluctuated throughout the experimental period while fungal abundance initially increased but gradually decreased and the initially observed marine fungi ceased to grow in decaying litter until the end of the experiment indicating that heterotrophic bacteria contribute more in the decomposition of seagrass litter. Oxygen consumption as well as protein, lipids and nitrogen content of litter decreased by as over the days of incubation. Therefore, as decomposition proceeds, litter biomass was leached resulting in carbohydrate content loss. But the remaining tissues of decaying C. rotundata were eventually colonized by bacteria and fungi. This further contributes to mineralization of the litter and gradual release of nutrients that could be considered as important trophic inputs to the ecosystem.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.