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Abundance patterns of the toxic phytoplankton in coastal waters of the Balearic Archipelago (NW Mediterranean Sea): a multivariate approach

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Abstract

This study seeks to elucidate the spatial and temporal patterns of toxic phytoplankton in coastal waters of the Balearic Archipelago (NW Mediterranean Sea) in a multivariate approach. We also examine whether there is a direct relationship between the abundance of toxic phytoplankton and the physical–chemical parameters and different human pressure activities. Its magnitude and the species-specific pattern are also evaluated. The study is based on chlorophyll a and phytoplankton composition and abundance, as well as physical and chemical data, to evaluate the ecological status of Balearic waters for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. A total of 24 taxa included in the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission toxic algae checklist and five well-known bloom formers were identified. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for physical–chemical and human uses revealed the larger phytoplankton variability determined by seasonal patterns. Higher nutrient winter samples were distinguished from those of high transparency and lower nutrient summer waters. The Redundancy Analysis (RDA) separated the toxic species into two groups: Pseudo-nitzschia species, related to winter; and dinoflagellates and other flagellates species, related to spring and summer. The among-islands effect revealed a latitudinal gradient, especially regarding nutrient and human pressures related to Mallorca Island. Meanwhile, the Formentera waters were transparent and far from human activities.

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Acknowledgements

This study has been financed by a project to evaluate the ecological status of Balearic waters for the implementation of the WFD of the Institut Balear de l’Aigua (Govern de les Illes Balears) and the University of the Balearic Islands. Our thanks are due to Mr. Alfredo Barón and Mr. Fernando Orozco for enabling this project; to Dr. Sebastià Albertí (Serveis Cientificotècnics of the University of the Balearic Islands manager) for enabling the use of Serveis Cientificotècnics facilities; to the staff of Serveis Cientificotècnics for their work on sampling routines; and to Dr. Maximino Delgado for his comments on species identification.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122, Palma (Mallorca), Spain

    Margarita Puigserver, Nuria Monerris & Gabriel Moyà

  2. Serveis Científicotècnics, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122, Palma (Mallorca), Spain

    Josep Pablo

  3. Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados (CSIC-UIB), c/Miquel Marquès n-21, 07190, Esporles (Mallorca), Spain

    Josep Alós

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  1. Margarita Puigserver
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  2. Nuria Monerris
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  3. Josep Pablo
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  4. Josep Alós
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  5. Gabriel Moyà
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Correspondence to Margarita Puigserver.

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Handling editor: D. P. Hamilton

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Puigserver, M., Monerris, N., Pablo, J. et al. Abundance patterns of the toxic phytoplankton in coastal waters of the Balearic Archipelago (NW Mediterranean Sea): a multivariate approach. Hydrobiologia 644, 145–157 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-010-0107-0

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