The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Red Tides, Blue Holes, and the importance of groundwater and terrestrial sources of nutrients fueling blooms of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis
ID:1000 Invited Oral Presentation

2027-01-12 15:20 (China Standard Time)

Session: Session 21 - Nitrogen Cycling Across the River-Estuary-Bay Continuum

Abstract
Blooms of Karenia brevis occur almost annually in the eastern Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America). Submarine ground water discharges (SGD) have been previously suggested as a potential nutrient source in sustaining blooms. The West Florida Shelf is dotted with blue holes, or underwater sinkholes, which may be a route by which SGD seeps into offshore waters. Previously reported measurements within the holes demonstrated potentially high rates of denitrification, and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia (DNRA).  Here, multiple stations were monitored monthly for several years at sites near to–and away from–these sinkholes to assess the nitrogen (N) isotopic signatures of the particulate material. One offshore site, but not others, had mean d15N values of 13.28 in surface samples and 12.58 in bottom samples, with the highest value reaching 38.86, reflecting highly processed N. Other sites had much lower d15N values. Higher d15N vales were associated with lower river flows, wherein N would have a longer time to undergo processing. The microbiome of the free-living (0.22 μm) planktonic communities of this site, examined via 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, confirmed the presence of putative denitrifying bacteria. Following Hurricane Ian, a Karenia brevis bloom formed with low d15N (<5), but as the bloom was sustained, the d15N of the particulate material increased significantly, reflecting greater reliance on recycled N. Historical reports of Karenia within 10 km of known blue holes show that K. brevis can concentrate in these locations, which may be hot spots for a diversity of Karenia species.

 
Speaker
Patricia Glibert University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Author
Patricia Glibert University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027