Abstract
The main transport vector for exotic-invasive species around the world is ballast water in merchant ships, crossing natural biogeographic barriers. This is one of the main factors responsible for the reduction and homogenization of the global biota. As phytoplankton is the main group transported by these vessels, this study assesses the risk of bioinvasion in the port complex of Itajaí and Navegantes (southern Brazil), using a polyphasic approach, mixing classical taxonomy with molecular biology. Ballast water collections were carried out to analyze the traditional taxonomy and for clonal cultivation in the laboratory. A successful cultivation of 12 local strains and 10-ballast water was successful. In the latter case, some fresh water, contrary to the statement by the commanders of the exchange of water in the deep ocean (> 200 m). Molecular identification was performed by sequencing the complete ITS region, confirming the presence of Thalassiosira minuscula Krasske, 1941, harmful and of public health interest, previously not mentioned for the region. The species Pleurosigma W. Smith, 1852; Asterionellopsis glacialis (Castracane) Round, 1990; Trieres mobiliensis (Bailey) Ashworth and E.C. Theriot, 2013; Thalassiosira minima Gaarder, 1951; Skeletonema pseudocostatum Medlin, 1991; Pectinodesmus holtmannii E. Hegewald, C. Bock and Krienitz, 2013; Neodesmus Hindák, 1976; and Pseudopediastrum boryanum (Turpin) E. Hegewald, 2005, were identified. The results indicate the possibility of growth of the species found in the ballast environment, which may negatively alter the disposal environment.
 Keywords: exotic species, molecular identification, marine phytoplankton, port complex of Itajaí and Navegantes.
Highlights
The navigation of merchant ships in oceanic waters around the world has directly influenced the global biota and its homogenization, and ballast water can be considered the main vector for the transport of exotic and invasive species (Wittenberg & Cock, 2001)
It was possible to obtain a total of 7 ballast water samples (Table I) and 8 samples from the port complex environment
Based on the information presented on this, it was observed that the salinity range of the ballast water samples was broad, providing good conditions for the presence of freshwater species from the genera Pectinodesmus, Pseudopediastrum and Neodesmus, benthic species such as Pleurosigma sp. and the surf zone one Asterionellopsis glacialis
Summary
The navigation of merchant ships in oceanic waters around the world has directly influenced the global biota and its homogenization, and ballast water can be considered the main vector for the transport of exotic and invasive species (Wittenberg & Cock, 2001). Indispensable for the operational safety of the ships, ballast water can transport a large quantity of marine species, and has the potential to cause ecological damage, economic losses and even harm to public health (Antaq, 2016; Neves & Barbosa, 2010; Wittenberg & Cock, 2001). These potentially invasive organisms include bacteria, microalgae, eggs, cysts and larvae of different species. This fact points to the use of the polyphasic identification technique, represented by the use of a series of morphological and molecular characteristics, as a more powerful method for making decisions in ballast water monitoring programs (Lopes et al, 2009)
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