文摘
The effects of elevated CO2sub> and temperature on photosynthesis and calcification of two important calcifying reef algae (Halimeda macroloba and Halimeda cylindracea) were investigated with O2sub> microsensors and chlorophyll a fluorometry through a combination of two pCO2sub> (400 and 1,200?μatm) and two temperature treatments (28 and 32?°C) equivalent to the present and predicted conditions during the 2100 austral summer. Combined exposure to pCO2sub> and elevated temperature impaired calcification and photosynthesis in the two Halimeda species due to changes in the microenvironment around the algal segments and a reduction in physiological performance. There were no significant changes in controls over the 5-week experiment, but there was a 50-0?% decrease in photochemical efficiency (maximum quantum yield), a 70-0?% decrease in O2sub> production and a threefold reduction in calcification rate in the elevated CO2sub> and high temperature treatment. Calcification in these species is closely coupled with photosynthesis, such that a decrease in photosynthetic efficiency leads to a decrease in calcification. Although pH seems to be the main factor affecting Halimeda species, heat stress also has an impact on their photosystem II photochemical efficiency. There was a strong combined effect of elevated CO2sub> and temperature in both species, where exposure to elevated CO2sub> or temperature alone decreased photosynthesis and calcification, but exposure to both elevated CO2sub> and temperature caused a greater decline in photosynthesis and calcification than in each stress individually. Our study shows that ocean acidification and ocean warming are drivers of calcification and photosynthesis inhibition in Halimeda. Predicted climate change scenarios for 2100 would therefore severely affect the fitness of Halimeda, which can result in a strongly reduced production of carbonate sediments on coral reefs under such changed climate conditions.