Physiological responses of two scleractinian coral species to elevated exposure of suspended particle matter

Wang Yujie; Liu Yina; Zhou Xijie; Wang Jianjia; Zhang Han; Zheng Xinqing

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Wang Yujie，Liu Yina，Zhou Xijie, et al. Physiological responses of two scleractinian coral species to elevated exposure of suspended particle matter[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(x)：1–10

Citation:

Wang Yujie，Liu Yina，Zhou Xijie, et al. Physiological responses of two scleractinian coral species to elevated exposure of suspended particle matter[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(x)：1–10

Citation:

Wang Yujie，Liu Yina，Zhou Xijie, et al. Physiological responses of two scleractinian coral species to elevated exposure of suspended particle matter[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(x)：1–10

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Physiological responses of two scleractinian coral species to elevated exposure of suspended particle matter

Wang Yujie^{1, 2
,},
Liu Yina²,
Zhou Xijie^{2, 3, 4
,
,},
Wang Jianjia^{2, 3},
Zhang Han^{2, 3, 4},
Zheng Xinqing^{2, 3, 4, 5}

1.
College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
2.
Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology Conservation and Restoration, Third Insti tute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
3.
Observation and Research Station of Island and Coastal Ecosystem in the Western Taiwan Strait, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beihai 536015, China
4.
Observation and Research Station of Wetland Ecosystem in the Beibu Gulf, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beihai 536015, China
5.
Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, China

Received Date: 2025-02-01
Rev Recd Date: 2025-04-25

Available Online: 2025-05-30

Abstract

Abstract

Nearshore coral reefs are frequently subjected to prolonged exposure to high levels of suspended particulate matter (SPM). However, the tolerance threshold of scleractinian corals to SPM remains inadequatedly understood, complicating the protection and management of nearshore scleractinian coral communities. In this study, we investigated the physiological responses of Dipsastraea speciosa and Cyphastrea sp., the dominant species of scleractinian corals in the Dongshan waters, which represent the northern distribution limit of scleractinian coral communities, under varying SPM concentrations (0 mg/L, 35 mg/L, 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L). A SPM-controlled simulated system was employed by injecting SPM into experimental tanks to regulate its concentration over a 28-day period. Morphological characteristics and a series of photosynthetic physiological parameters were used as indicators. The results indicated that the polyps of both coral species exposed to three groups of SPM treatments exhibited shrinkageduring the initial stages of the experiment, but quickly recovered over time. No individual of coral bleaching or mortality were observed. Additionally, both coral species demonstrated significant photosynthetic physiological plasticity, evidenced by rising ΦPSII values with SPM concentration increased, reaching a maximum at 100 mg/L. This suggests that the two coral species can mitigate light shading by enhancing their photosynthetic efficiency in response to high SPM concentrations. Furthermore, F_v/F_m ratios, chlorophyll content, and zooxanthella density for both coral species remained relatively stable under high SPM exposure, indicating that their photosynthetic performance remained healthy despite elevated SPM levels. This implies that the tolerance threshold of these two scleractinian corals to SPM may exceed 100 mg/L. This study is the first experiment in China to successfully maintain high SPM levels over an extended period, and the findings provide essential data for the protection and management of scleractinian coral communities in China.
- scleractinian coral,
- Suspended particle matter,
- Morphologilca traits,
- photosynthetic efficiency,
- F_v/F_m

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References(47)

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