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Effects of increased pCO2 on zinc uptake and calcification in the tropical coral Stylophora pistillata

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Abstract

Zinc (Zn) is an essential element for corals. We investigated the effects of ocean acidification on zinc incorporation, photosynthesis, and gross calcification in the scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata. Colonies were maintained at normal pHT (8.1) and at two low-pH conditions (7.8 and 7.5) for 5 weeks. Corals were exposed to 65Zn dissolved in seawater to assess uptake rates. After 5 weeks, corals raised at pHT (8.1) exhibited higher 65Zn activity in the coral tissue and skeleton, compared with corals raised at a lower pH. Photosynthesis, photosynthetic efficiency, and gross calcification, measured by 45Ca incorporation, were however unchanged even at the lowest pH.

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Acknowledgments

The International Atomic Energy Agency is grateful to the Government of the Principality of Monaco for the support provided to its Environment Laboratories. Thanks are due to Dr J. Ries and Pr T. A. McConnaughey for their helpful comments and constructive remarks on this manuscript. We also thank Dr. M. Holcomb for fruitful discussions on calcification processes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environment Laboratories, International Atomic Energy Agency, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco, 98000, Principality of Monaco

    F. Houlbrèque, R. Rodolfo-Metalpa, R. Jeffree, F. Oberhänsli, J.-L. Teyssié & F. Boisson

  2. Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, U227 CoRéUs2, BP A5, 98848, Nouméa, New Caledonia, France

    F. Houlbrèque

  3. Marine Science Station, Jordan University Aqaba, BO Box 195, Aqaba, Jordan

    K. Al-Trabeen

  4. Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Avenue Saint Martin, Monaco, 98000, Principality of Monaco

    C. Ferrier-Pagès

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  1. F. Houlbrèque
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  2. R. Rodolfo-Metalpa
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  3. R. Jeffree
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  4. F. Oberhänsli
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  5. J.-L. Teyssié
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  7. K. Al-Trabeen
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  8. C. Ferrier-Pagès
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Correspondence to F. Houlbrèque.

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Communicated by Environment Editor Prof. Rob van Woesik

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Houlbrèque, F., Rodolfo-Metalpa, R., Jeffree, R. et al. Effects of increased pCO2 on zinc uptake and calcification in the tropical coral Stylophora pistillata . Coral Reefs 31, 101–109 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-011-0819-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-011-0819-2

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