The wastes and overflows of deep-sea water (DSW) have been released from land-based systems into coastal waters in Toyama Bay. To predict the effects of the enriched and cold water on
Gelidium beds, relative growth rates (RGR) of cut-off
Gelidium elegans Kützing branches were examined by culturing for ten days in an incubator (NEDO Bio Cube) using running DSW. In the culture to find optimal turnover rates of DSW, RGR were higher at 5-10 times/day than 1-3 times/day. In the following cultures to find optimal sea water temperature (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30°C) and light intensity (20, 60, 100 and 200μE/m
2/sec), higher values of RGR were obtained at 20-25°C and at 60-100μE/m
2/sec, respectively. At 20-25°C and at 200μE/m
2/sec, one or more branches regenerated from each fracture more frequently. Then effects of dilution of nutrients were tested by culturing in DSW mixed with surface-sea water (SSW) at five rates (percentage of DSW/SSW; 100, 75, 50, 25, 0%). As the result, RGR elevated in waters of higher DSW rates at a combined optimal condition (5times/day, 20°C and 60μE/m
2/sec). Using these data, growth of
G. elegans in DSW-released areas in Toyama Bay were predicted as the function of seawater temperature and nitrogen concentration on the assumption of nitrogen limitation in coastal waters. When DSW (3°C) is released into coastal waters (SSW temperatures: 27°C in summer, 10°C in winter), growth of
G. elegans will be enhanced only in summer. When released after warmed by 15°C, growth will be enhanced in both seasons. However, in higher DSW rates, an epiphytic diatom,
Arachnoidiscus ornatus may increase in number and damage
Gelidium beds as suggested in the present study.
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