Phototrophic and heterotrophic benthic communities in a shallow CO2 dominated hydrothermal vent (Panarea Island, Tyrrhenian Sea)

To assess the ability of communities to adapt following prolonged exposure to locally elevated CO and temperature levels, phototrophic and heterotrophic benthic communities were analysed at the natural seepage site of Panarea Island. Preliminary results highlight that microalgal proliferation seems to be stimulated by gas emissions and warm temperatures as shown by the elevated abundances and the high primary production rate. In contrast, the low densities of meiofauna suggest that this community could be less tolerant to higher CO concentration and temperature.