Variability in the fractionation of stable isotopes during degradation of two intertidal red algae

Hill, Jaclyn M; McQuaid, Christopher D

Title: Variability in the fractionation of stable isotopes during degradation of two intertidal red algae
Creator: Hill, Jaclyn M
Creator: McQuaid, Christopher D
Subject: To be catalogued
Date Issued: 2009
Date: 2009
Type: text
Type: article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/444649
Identifier: vital:74257
Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2009.02.001
Description: Macroalgae contribute to intertidal food webs primarily as detritus, with unclear implications for food web studies using stable isotope analysis. We examined differences in the thallus parts of two South African rhodophytes (Gelidium pristoides and Hypnea spicifera) and changes in overall δ13C, δ15N signatures and C:N ratios during degradation in both the field and laboratory. We hypothesized that both degrading macroalgal tissue and macroalgal-derived suspended particulate material (SPM) would show negligible changes in δ13C, but enriched δ15N signatures and lower C:N ratios relative to healthy plants. Only C:N laboratory ratios conformed to predictions, with both species of macroalgae showing decomposition related changes in δ13C and significant depletions in δ15N in both the field and laboratory. In the laboratory, algal tissue and SPM from each species behaved similarly (though some effects were non-significant) but with differing strengths. Gelidium pristoides δ13C increased and C:N ratios decreased over time in tissue and SPM; δ15N became depleted only in SPM. Hypnea spicifera, δ13C, δ15N and C:N ratios all decreased during degradation in both SPM and algae.
Format: 9 pages
Format: pdf
Language: English
Relation: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science
Relation: Hill, J.M. and McQuaid, C.D., 2009. Variability in the fractionation of stable isotopes during degradation of two intertidal red algae. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 82(3), pp.397-405
Relation: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science volume 82 number 3 397 405 2009 1096-0015
Rights: Publisher
Rights: Use of this resource is governed by the terms and conditions of the Elsevier Terms and Conditions Statement (https://www.elsevier.com/legal/elsevier-website-terms-and-conditions)

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Hill, Jaclyn Marie (Ms)

McQuaid, Christopher D (Distinguished Professor)

RU DST/NRF SARChI for Marine Ecosystems and Resources

SDG 15. Life On Land

RU Department of Zoology and Entomology

SDG 14. Life Below Water

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