Effects of elevated CO2 on dynamics of microcystin-producing and non-microcystin-producing strains during Microcystis blooms

In an attempt to elucidate the effects of different CO₂ concentrations (270, 380, and 750 μL/L) on the competition of microcystin-producing (MC-producing) and non-MC-producing Microcystis strains during dense cyanobacteria blooms, an in situ simulation experiment was conducted in the Meiliang Bay of Lake Taihu in the summer of 2012. The abundance of total Microcystis and MC-producing Microcystis genotypes was quantified based on the 16S rDNA and mcyD gene using real-time PCR. The results showed that atmospheric CO₂ elevation would significantly decrease the pH value and increase the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration. Changes in CO₂ concentration did not show significant influence on the abundance of total Microcystis population. However, CO₂ concentrations may be an important factor in determining the subpopulation structure of Microcystis. The enhancement of CO₂ concentrations could largely increase the competitive ability of non-MC-producing over MC-producing Microcystis, resulting in a higher proportion of non-MC-producing subpopulation in treatments using high CO₂ concentrations. Concurrently, MC concentration in water declined when CO₂ concentrations were elevated. Therefore, we concluded that the increase of CO₂ concentrations might decrease potential health risks of MC for human and animals in the future.