Researchers in India has found a low
abundance of a temperature sensitive phytoplankton Ceratium symmetricum
at the estuaries and offshore of Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve. The change,
which is triggered by the rise in the temperature of the surface water can be
an early sign of climate change affecting the mangrove ecosystem of Sunderbans,
says the study.
 |
| Ceratium symmetricum Photo Courtsey: JOTT |
Phytoplankton are minute photosynthetic aquatic organism
floating on the water surface as a green discoloration of the water surface. Being
primary producers, they are the foundation of a marine food web by offering food
to fishes and other aquatic organisms.
The study which is the first one to examine
the phytoplankton diversity in the Indian side of the Sunderbans, has assessed the
presence of genus Ceratium Schrank in connection with physicochemical
parameters such as Sea Surface Temperature (SST) in the estuaries of the
Hooghly and Ichamati-Raymongal Rivers on the western parts of the Sunderbans.
Phytoplankton as bio-indicators
Phytoplanktons are known for their
bio-indicator capabilities since any slight change in water temperature or the environment
make big difference in their abundance. Members of Ceratium genus are
especially known for their sensitivity towards temperature.
The research team has identified 5 species
of phytoplankton from the genus - Ceratium trichoceros, Ceratium
symmetricum, Ceratium fusus, Ceratium tripos and Ceratium furca-
from the water samples. Among them, Ceratium symmetricum was not
reported from the area earlier and was found in low abundance. According to earlier
studies, low abundance of certain Ceratium species in the surface water
during warm period is a sign of change.
To find out a possible cause for it, the researchers
have studied the fluctuation pattern of the Sea Surface Temperature with the help
of satellite imagery form 2003 to 2009. The data showed that the winter SST has
been showing a rising trend in the area, possibly due to climate change.
Future Impact
The lower abundance of Ceratium
symmetricum and the rising trend in the winter SST are indicators of
climate change affecting Sunderbans, says the study which is published in the latest
issue of Journal of Threatened Taxa. It also points out that a further rise in
the SST in the area may wipe the Ceratium symmetricum away from the
Indian part of the Sunderbans, making it the first organism to take the toll of
the climate change and the resulting temperature rise.
Anirban Akhand, Anirban
Mukhopadhyay, Pranabes Sanyal and Sugata Hazra from the School of Oceanographic
Studies, Jadavpur University, Sourav Maity, Indian National Centre for Ocean
Information Services (INCOIS), Indrani Das, Department of Botany, Midnapore
College took part in the study.
Do you think Climate Change is a hoax? Have your say here.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please feel free to have your say on our stories. Comments will be moderated. anonymous Comments will not be approved. No links in the comment body unless meant for sharing a very relevant info.