Variation in δ13C and δ15N of kelp is explained by light and productivity
Document Type
Journal Article
Publisher
Inter-Research
School
School of Natural Sciences / Centre for Ecosystem Management
RAS ID
18521
Abstract
Stable isotope ratios of autotrophs commonly encompass a wide range and exhibit high variation. It is important to understand how the environments in which autotrophs grow influence stable isotope ratios because variation can limit our ability to make inferences. We sought to understand whether light intensity, water temperature and productivity influenced δ13C and δ15N of the kelp Ecklonia radiata. δ13C and δ15N exhibited a wide range: 10.9‰ for δ13C and 5.3‰ for δ15N. Spatial variability was high but could largely be accounted for by patterns in the intensity of light measured at the sea floor. Temperature typically had poorer explanatory power. Partial regression analyses indicated that light intensity was still a good predictor of patterns in δ13C after accounting for depth, providing confidence in inferences about the effects of light. In contrast, patterns in δ15N could be explained by depth alone after accounting for light intensity, indicating that other influences that change with depth are also plausible explanations for patterns in δ15N. Individual productivity was also positively correlated with δ13C and δ15N, but the amount of variation accounted for was always low. Sections of tissue taken from different parts of the thalli were positively correlated when all data were pooled, but there was significant spatial and temporal variation within this overall trend. Our results suggest that light intensity is an important influence on variation in δ13C. The results support a mechanism in which increased rates of photosynthesis (because of higher light availability) increase the demand for carbon so that a greater proportion of the available carbon is used, which in turn decreases fractionation.
DOI
10.3354/meps10967
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Vanderklift, M. A., & Bearham, D. (2014). Variation in δ13C and δ15N of kelp is explained by light and productivity. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 515, 111-121. Available here.