Interactive abiotic stress effects on Arctic marine macroalgae- Physiological responses of adult sporophytes

Abstract

In Arctic coastal ecosystems, marine macroalgae are exposed to a multitude of abiotic and biotic stressful conditions, including naturally seasonal variations and additionally potential effects of climate changes. Although the different abiotic variables are acting in combination and interdependently in the natural environment, the responses of macroalgae to interactive effects of multiple abiotic stressors are relatively unknown. UV-induced effects and growth temperatures are well studied on different macroalgal species, but mainly in single-factor experiments. Accordingly, the present thesis aims to detect interactive effects of combined abiotic environmental factors on Arctic marine macroalgae from the Kongsfjord (Spitsbergen) for a better understanding of their stress physiology and to estimate potential ecological implications. The study focused on physiological responses of different macroalgal species exposed to impacts of temperature stress in combination with radiation as well as salinity conditions.