The Behavioural Effects caused by Trace Metals on the Soft Coral Subergorgia suberosa

• Main Authors: Safira M. Vasquez, 柯曉菲
• Other Authors: Jiang-Shiou Hwang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2008
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/05793519150258223603

碩士 === 國立臺灣海洋大學 === 海洋生物研究所 === 96 === Land runoffs pose serious threats to coral reefs since excessive amounts along with prolonged periods of exposure to toxins or heavy metals may not only kill corals, but can also provide serious sub lethal effects. The deleterious effects of heavy metal pollution on corals can be monitored by biomarkers such as polyps’ behaviour, mucus secretion, tissue expansion and rapid tissue necrosis (RTN). The deleterious effects of heavy metal pollution can also be observed by the measured concentration of heavy metals found within coral tissues by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) in association with the biomarkers exhibited by the corals. This study investigates the effects of two different levels of heavy metal pollution with different time exposures on the physiological response of the Taiwanese gorgonian Subergorgia suberosa. The study also investigates the recovery of these gorgonian colonies after the different treatment and time exposure levels. Our experiment with heavy metal pollution from Yin Yang Hai with the Taiwanese gorgonian Subergorgia suberosa shows that corals exposed to Cu, Zn, Ni, and Fe do exhibit sub lethal effects by the reduction of activity for polyps’ behaviour, increase mucus secretion and RTN. Findings also showed that increased level of metallic concentration and the prolonged stress of metallic exposures on the gorgonian colonies do exhibit deleterious effects on the coral colonies. Nonetheless, the findings also showed that the Taiwanese gorgonians recuperated after the metallic pollution was alleviated. Hence, we can conclude that if there is a way to alleviate the pollution problem in the marine environment then coral communities can face a brighter future.