Influence of Temperature on the Photosynthetic Responses of Benthic Diatoms: Fluorescence Based Estimates

Benthic diatoms are very important primary producers in understanding estuary ecosystems and their productions are largely varied by their photo-physiological characteristics. The short-term effects of increased temperature on the photosynthetic and photo-physiological characteristics of cultured different species of benthic diatoms (Navicula sp., Nitzschia sp., Cylindrotheca closterium, and Pleurosigma elongatum) were investigated by measuring their PSII-fluorescence kinetics using a Diving-PAM. Photosynthesis versus irradiance curves were measured every two hours at six different temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and ) for twenty-four hour. The effective quantum yield of PSII () for most of the species showed a decreasing trend with increased temperature. The relative maximum electron transport rate (rETRmax) was significantly increased up to the optimum temperature level and then sharply decreased. Relative to the values of other parameters, the maximum light use coefficient () was not substantially changed at lower temperature levels () but significantly decreased only at higher temperatures (30 and ). The light saturation coefficient () mirrored the rETRmax temperature response. In regards to the temperature acclimation abilities of the four species with time, Navicula sp. and C. closterium acclimated to short-term changes in temperature through their photo-physiological adjustments.