Changes in the benthic algal community and nutrient limitation in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, during the invasion of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)

Abstract

We conducted a series of nutrient manipulation experiments over the first 5 y of Dreissena colonization in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, to evaluate benthic algal nutrient limitation and community composition. We placed nutrient-diffusing substrata in the littoral zone of the Bay during 1991 (early Dreissena colonization) and from 1992 to 1995 (post-Dreissena colonization). The treatments consisted of P, N, and PϩN additions, and a control. Chlorophyll a decreased through time from 1992 to 1995. Phosphorus limited biovolume only in 1994. Treatments with P additions had significantly more chlorophyll a than the controls each year after 1992. This result was consistent with an observed decrease in dissolved P throughout the study. Nitrogen additions had no significant effect throughout the 5-y period. Major shifts in species composition did not result from nutrient additions but rather seemed to be consistent with changes in light penetration and Dreissena herbivory. Our data demonstrated that the pre-Dreissena benthic algal community was dominated by tychoplanktonic diatoms (i.e., Aulacoseira granulata and Tabellaria fenestrata), which would be susceptible to filter-feeding Dreissena. Early postinvasion conditions were marked by an increase in light penetration, and benthic algae were dominated by filamentous green algae (mostly Spirogyra sp.). Late post-invasion conditions were marked by a reduction of light caused by planktonic blooms of Microcystis sp., which were resistant to zebra mussel herbivory. The benthic algal dominance shifted to periphytic diatoms (i.e., Gomphonema clevei), which were also resistant to zebra mussel filter-feeding. A new equilibrium may be developing where Dreissena herbivory limits tychoplanktonic diatoms, which promotes Microcystis bloom, which in turn limits Dreissena filtering rates.

Responses of periphyton to artificial nutrient enrichment in freshwater kettle ponds of Cape Cod National Seashore

“…Nutrient treatments were prepared as follows: nitrogen (0.5 M NaNO 3 in 2% agar), phosphorus (0.05 M Na 2 HPO 4 in 2% agar), nitrogen and phosphorus (0.5 M NaNO3 + 0.05 M Na 2 HPO 4 in 2% agar), and control (2% agar only). These concentrations are identical or similar to those of other studies in freshwater systems (Biggs & Lowe, 1994;Higley et al, 2001;Pillsbury et al, 2002;Henry & Fisher, 2003). For each pond, twelve tubes (3 replicate tubes per treatment) were randomly fitted into holes drilled 5 cm apart along 90-cm sections of 3.2-cm diameter PVC pipe, which were suspended in the water column (0.5 m depth) by a float attached to a permanent buoy (Fig.…”

Management of agricultural practices results in declines of filamentous algae in the lake littoral

“…The macrophyte beds provide a suitable habitat, may provide nutrients from the sediments to its epiphytes (Jackson et al, 1994), and in general, offer an expansive substrate that extends the area of filamentous algal growth well offshore. Adult zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), first noticed in Conesus Lake in 1994 with large populations evident by 1998, do occur in the milfoil beds (Bosch et al, 2001) and may be a potential cause of the nuisance accumulations of littoral filamentous algae as they effectively recycle nutrients, increase the amount of light penetrating into the water, and selectively feed on diatoms and other algae that potentially compete for light, substrate, and dissolved nutrients (Pillsbury et al, 2002). The presence of zebra mussels has been correlated with increased growth of littoral algae and rooted macrophytes in the Great Lakes (Pillsbury et al, 2002, Skubinna et al, 1995, Lowe and Pillsbury, 1995 and in some of the larger Finger Lakes of New York (Zhu et al, 2006).…”

“…Adult zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), first noticed in Conesus Lake in 1994 with large populations evident by 1998, do occur in the milfoil beds (Bosch et al, 2001) and may be a potential cause of the nuisance accumulations of littoral filamentous algae as they effectively recycle nutrients, increase the amount of light penetrating into the water, and selectively feed on diatoms and other algae that potentially compete for light, substrate, and dissolved nutrients (Pillsbury et al, 2002). The presence of zebra mussels has been correlated with increased growth of littoral algae and rooted macrophytes in the Great Lakes (Pillsbury et al, 2002, Skubinna et al, 1995, Lowe and Pillsbury, 1995 and in some of the larger Finger Lakes of New York (Zhu et al, 2006). However, there are areas of the Conesus Lake littoral located away from streams that generally have much lower filamentous algal growth despite the presence of large zebra mussel populations locally (Bosch et al, 2004).…”

Include or exclude? A review on the role and suitability of aquatic invertebrate neozoa as indicators in biological assessment with special respect to fresh and brackish European waters

“…Of the literature reviewed, 12 studies were based exclusively on laboratory experiments (Brooks et al 2008;van Riel et al 2007;Aberle et al 2005;Cherry et al 2005;Cope and Winterbourn 2004;Kinzler and Maier 2003;Wijnhoven et al 2003;Dick and Platvoet 2000;Dick et al 2002;Bruijs et al 2001;James et al 1997;Baker and Hornbach 1997), another ten studies used both laboratory and field methods (Pilollo et al 2008;Devin et al 2005;Kelly and Dick 2005;Hakenkamp et al 2001;Kley and Maier 2003;MacNeil et al 2003;Montalto and de Drago 2003;Mueller 2001;Nel et al 1996;Pillsbury et al 2002), while all others gained their data purely from field studies, with the exception of some reviews (e.g. Gollasch and Nehring 2006;Kerckhof et al 2007) and standards.…”