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Climate change threatens Arctic ecosystems: Kelps in danger!
Researchers at the University of Bremen are studying glacier melting, climate change and their effects on Arctic ecosystems and biodiversity.
Climate change threatens Arctic ecosystems: Kelps in danger!
Glacial melt in the Arctic fjords is having profound impacts on marine ecosystems, particularly on the microbiome of brown algae known as kelps. A current study by researchers at University of Bremen as part of several EU projects shows that the changes caused by climate change not only threaten the ecological balance, but can also have significant socio-economic consequences.
Kelps form dense underwater forests and play a central role in the Arctic coastal ecosystem. Climate change is causing warming in the Arctic above the global average, accelerating the melting of snow, glaciers and permafrost. The resulting meltwater changes water parameters in the fjords, including salinity and light availability.
Changes in the kelp microbiome
The meltwater carries micronutrients such as sodium, magnesium and potassium as well as harmful elements such as cadmium, lead and mercury into the water. Surprisingly, kelps affected by this show a 72% increased mercury content compared to less contaminated kelps. These changes also lead to an influence on the kelp microbiome, which can have serious consequences for the ecological function of these algae.
The changes in the kelp ecosystem can have cascading effects throughout the food chain. Predators feeding on these algae could experience reduced growth and reproduction, which could result in negative impacts on biodiversity and stability in Arctic waters. There is also a risk of bioaccumulation of harmful substances in the food web.
New habitats through melting glaciers
Similar developments can also be observed in other regions. The retreat of Alpine glaciers as a result of global warming is creating new habitats, often referred to as pioneer habitats. These areas enjoy a high value for biodiversity in the Swiss Alpine region. An ongoing research project is looking at microbial biodiversity in these newly created habitats and investigating whether local and regional biodiversity is at risk from climate change.
The central question of this project concerns the effects of glacier melting and thawing of permafrost on various organisms, including plants, fungi, bacteria and viruses. Studying these pioneer habitats is crucial to gain a better understanding of the genetic changes in biodiversity and to develop examples of sustainable strategies to address climate impacts, such as the use of kelp-based mariculture.
The Petersberg Foundation highlights that these changes also offer new opportunities. In particular, the high biosorption potential of kelps that thrive in contaminated waters is considered as a possible environmentally friendly method for rare earth extraction (phytomining). These rare earths are essential for modern technologies, including renewable energy and electrical engineering.
Finally, the results of the study, published in the specialist journal, clarifyScientific Reports, the far-reaching and sometimes dangerous effects of climate change on the Arctic and Alpine ecosystems and their biodiversity.