Effects of nitrate addition and iron speciation on trace element transfer in coastal food webs under phosphate and iron enrichment

Coastal organisms are often exposed to both iron enrichment and eutrophication. Trace elements transfer in coastal food webs are critical for marine life and therefore influence coastal ecosystem function and the global carbon cycle. However, how these exposures affect algal element uptake and the subsequent element transfer to marine copepods (Tigriopus japonicus) is unknown. Here we investigated the effects of nitrate addition and iron speciation (Fe (OH)3 or EDTA–Fe) on the biological uptake of Cu, Zn, and Se under phosphate and iron enrichment, using Thalassiosira weissflogii, Skeletonema costatum, and Chlorella vulgaris as model marine algae. Algal element adsorption/absorption generally increased with increasing macronutrient concentrations. Algal element assimilation efficiencies depended on iron speciation and marine algae species. Element assimilation efficiencies of copepods were significantly correlated to the intracellular element concentrations in algal cells. Element uptake and transfer were controlled by eutrophication, iron speciation, and algal species in coastal food webs.

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► Coastal organisms are often exposed to both iron enrichment and eutrophication.
► Metal adsorption/absorption increases with increasing macronutrient concentrations.
► Algal metal assimilation efficiencies depend on iron speciation and algae species.
► Copepods metal assimilation efficiencies are correlated to algal absorption.
► Metal uptake and transfer in coastal food webs were changed.