Characteristics of Harmful Algal Species in the Coastal Waters of China from 1990 to 2017

Abstract

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have occurred frequently in coastal waters of China, imposing negative effects on the marine ecological environment. A dataset of HABs and terrestrial runoff was collected and analyzed in this study, and factors responsible for HABs were further explored. Frequency and expansion of HABs peaked between 2001 and 2007, and although they have declined slightly since then, they have remained quite high. Frequency and accumulative area of HABs peaked in 2004–2005, and most occurred from April to August during these years. HABs occurred frequently in the Changjiang (Yangtze River) estuary, and Prorocentrum donghaiense, Noctiluca scientillans, Karenia mikimotoi, and Skeletonema costatum were the main algal species. The increases of eutrophication, the abnormal sea surface temperature caused by climate and ocean currents, and the species invasion caused by the discharge of ballast water may be important factors for the long-term outbreak of HABs in the Chinese coastal waters. These findings provide a better understanding of HABs in China, which will be helpful to further prevention and control.

Spatiotemporal Expansion of Algal Blooms in Coastal China Seas

“…The Yellow Sea undergoes large SST fluctuations (ranging from ∼5 to 30 °C annually), which results in a brief period of the year that is suitable for algal growth, as observed in the Bohai Sea . Furthermore, the absence of any significant input of terrigenous nutrients and the presence of active ocean currents in the Yellow Sea mitigate the severity of algal blooms . By contrast, although active circulation exists in the South China Sea, the terrigenous nutrient input and lower temporal variability in the SST support the outbreak of algal blooms throughout the year …”

“…11 By contrast, although active circulation exists in the South China Sea, 70 the terrigenous nutrient input and lower temporal variability in the SST support the outbreak of algal blooms throughout the year. 11 Summer and autumn are the primary seasons for algal blooms outbreaks along the coast of China. This is because the SST falls within the optimal temperature range of 15−26 °C, which is favorable for algae growth.…”

“…10 The rapid economic development and industrialization of China have contributed to the proliferation of nutrient-rich waste and pollutants in the ocean and have rendered the coastal China seas highly vulnerable to the occurrence of algal blooms. 11 Additionally, contributors to climate change, such as higher sea surface temperature (SST), 12,13 marine heatwaves, and changes in ocean current, 14 often trigger algal blooms. An increase in the area of algal blooms and their causative species has been observed in the coastal China seas over the past 40 years.…”

Emerging challenges in maintaining marine food‐fish availability and food safety

“…The disposal of nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus containing compounds, directly into the seawaters and indirectly through the rivers, cause HAB in the coasts near river mouths and estuaries. The frequency of appearance and the diversity of HAB spreading along the coastal areas associated with the increase of nitrates and other pollutants over 17 years, have been monitored at the mouth of the Changjiang river and in the estuaries in China (Hou et al., 2022). The study observes increasing HAB with the rising temperature in the surface seawaters.…”

Identification of Cyanobacteria and Its Potential Toxins in the Joanes I Reservoir, Bahia, Brazil

“…Therefore, the occurrence of these species constitutes a major threat to public health and aquatic ecosystems, and incidents of animal and human poisoning, as well as the disease-causing effects due to toxic cyanobacterial blooms, are of concern all over the world [ 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”