Accelerated nitrogen cycling on Mediterranean seagrass leaves at volcanic CO2 vents

Abstract

Seagrass meadows form highly productive and diverse ecosystems in coastal areas worldwide, where they are increasingly exposed to ocean acidification (OA). Efficient nitrogen (N) cycling and uptake are essential to maintain plant productivity, but the effects of OA on N transformations in these systems are poorly understood. Here we show that complete N cycling occurs on leaves of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica at a volcanic CO₂ vent near Ischia Island (Italy), with OA affecting both N gain and loss while the epiphytic microbial community structure remains largely unaffected. Daily leaf-associated N₂ fixation contributes to 35% of the plant’s N demand under ambient pH, while it contributes to 45% under OA. Nitrification potential is only detected under OA, and N-loss via N₂ production increases, although the balance remains decisively in favor of enhanced N gain. Our work highlights the role of the N-cycling microbiome in seagrass adaptation to OA, with key N transformations accelerating towards increased N gain.

A stable isotope study reveals that complete nitrogen cycling takes place on the leaves of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica. Ocean acidification influences nitrogen gain and loss, while the structure of the epiphytic microbial community remains largely unaffected.