Combined effects of climate change and the herbicide diuron on the coral Acropora millepora

• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112582
• Publication Date: 2021-06-10T04:51:34Z
• Authors: Florita Flores; Joseane A. Marques; Sven Uthicke; Rebecca Fisher; Frances Patel; Sarit Kaserzon; Andrew P. Negri
• Keywords: Ocean Acidification

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is threatened by climate change and local pressures, including contaminants in nearshore habitats. This study investigated the combined effects of a GBR-relevant contaminant, herbicide diuron, under current two future scenarios on coral Acropora millepora. All physiological responses tested (effective quantum yield (ΔF/Fm′), photosynthesis, calcification rate) were negatively affected with increasing concentrations diuron. Interactive between diuron observed for all responses; however, had no significant effect ΔF/Fm′ or rates. Photosynthesis was as adjusted from ambient (28.1 °C, pCO2 = 397 ppm) to RCP8.5 2050 (29.1 680 2100 (30.2 858 EC50 values declining 19.4 10.6 2.6 μg L−1 turn. These results highlight likelihood that water quality guideline may need be changes.