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Effects of pH on growth and anatomical characters of tape seagrass (Enhalus acoroides (Linnaeus f.) Royle)

Yurachat Meksuwan^a,*, Nuttariya Sikeawpong^a, Panida Sukchan^a, Phuripong Meksuwan^b

 
ABSTRACT:      Enhalus acoroides (Linnaeus f.) Royle or tape seagrass plays a vital role in tropical seagrass meadows, especially in Thailand. While ocean acidification negatively affects many marine species, it may benefit tropical seagrasses. E. acoroides relies on seed dispersal for sexual reproduction, and pH variations may influence seedling development. This study examined the effects of pH levels (6, 7, 8, and 9) on E. acoroides seedling growth over 8 weeks in controlled aquariums. All treatments showed 100% seed germination during the first week. By week 2, no significant differences in biomass were observed, but by week 8, seedlings at pH 6 had the highest dry weight (0.21?0.01 g), as well as the greatest leaf number (5.64?0.15 leaves), leaf length (23.39?2.06 mm), and leaf width (4.74?0.14 mm). One-wayANOVArevealedsignificantdifferencesingrowthbyweek8. LowerpHlevelsenhancedshootandrootgrowth, while higher pH increased root number but reduced root length. Chlorophyll content analysis showed no correlation with pH after 8 weeks. Anatomical examination revealed tannin cells, starch granules, and thick cell walls in the mesophyll, with an enlarged exodermis in lower pH treatments, suggesting an adaptation for stabilizing in muddy, acidic conditions. These findings indicate that pH influences the growth and adaptation of E. acoroides seedlings, highlighting the species resilience to acidification. Its adaptive capacity is crucial for management, as E. acoroides can survive acidification and continue providing habitat, preserving ecosystem balance.

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* Corresponding author, E-mail: yurachat.y@phuket.psu.ac.th

Received 1 Dec 2024, Accepted 0 0000