Responses of leaf-associated biofilms on the submerged macrophyte Vallisneria natans during harmful algal blooms

Abstract The present study investigated the physiological responses, photosynthetic activity, and microbial community structure of leaf-associated biofilms on the microphyte Vallisneria natans during a harmful algal bloom. Results of the physiological and photosynthetic indices ( F v / F m ratios [maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII)]; malondialdehyde content; total chlorophyll; and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase) indicated that algal blooms could cause inhibition of photosynthesis, oxidative stress and an antioxidant system stress response in Vallisneria natans leaf-associated biofilms. Multifractal analysis suggested that allelochemicals or algal organic matter released by cyanobacteria could reduce the surface roughness of the leaf. Microbial diversity analysis of the biofilms showed that algal blooms slightly altered the microbial community structure while the richness and evenness of the microbial composition remained stable. This study provided useful information to better understand the adverse effects of algal blooms on submerged macrophytes.