Environmental factors influencing the abundance and spatial distribution of modern dinoflagellate cysts in Izmir Bay (Eastern Mediterranean)

Hilal Aydin, Serdar Uzar, Emine Erdem Cingöz, Filiz Küçüksezgin, Vera Pospelova

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We analyzed surface sediments from 12 stations located in Izmir Bay to determine the impact of anthropogenic pollution on dinoflagellate cysts. Forty-three dinoflagellate cyst taxa and two cyst assemblage zones were identified. Zone 1 is characterized by the dominance of cysts of Gymnodinium nolleri, Selenopemphix nephroides, and Operculodinium centrocarpum from the oligotrophic part of Izmir Bay. Zone 2 is in the highly productive inner part of the bay and is characterized by the high abundances of Lingulodinium machaerophorum, Spiniferites ramosus, cysts of Scrippsiella spp., cysts of Polykrikos spp. and Quinquecuspis concreta. We used multivariate statistical analysis (DCA and CCA) on dinoflagellate cysts and environmental variables to support the identification of Zones 1 and 2. Our analyses also revealed that summer and winter chlorophyll-a as well as elevated nitrate and nitrite concentrations are significant parameters in controlling dinoflagellate cyst distribution in Izmir Bay.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number116612
JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin
Volume205
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Elsevier Ltd

Keywords

  • Dinoflagellate cyst
  • Environmental conditions
  • Eutrophication
  • Izmir Bay
  • Lingulodinium machaerophorum
  • Water quality

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Journal Article

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Environmental factors influencing the abundance and spatial distribution of modern dinoflagellate cysts in Izmir Bay (Eastern Mediterranean)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this