Algae In Pools Research Articles

Spread of Caulerpa cylindracea impacts: The colonization of Atlantic intertidal communities

The occurrence of the invasive macroalga Caulerpa cylindracea in the intertidal macroalgal communities of the Atlantic Ocean is evaluated here for the first time. The Canary Islands (28.36N, 16.07W) are the only distribution area known in the Atlantic for this species, and the presence of this species has currently only been reported in subtidal environments. The objectives of this study were to determine the variables influencing the species’ abundance in the intertidal zone, to delimit the colonized habitats and to assess its impact on invaded communities. The distance to the lower tidal limit, the sediments abundance and substrate type were the main variables related to the abundance of C. cylindracea. The results show that populations of C. cylindracea are restricted to certain habitats, and the existence of synergies between sedimentation and communities invaded by C. cylindracea, i.e., articulated coralline algae (Corallina caespitosa, Jania adhaerens) on platforms of the lower eulittoral and filamentous algae (Melanothamnus sphaerocarpa) in rocky pools of the middle and upper eulittoral. In these habitats the comparison of the communities impacted and not impacted by C. cylindracea (based on a data set of all species and functional groups) showed changes in the structure of the communities via replacement and a reduction in the native species abundance. However, in terms of the total macrophyte cover, species richness and diversity, no significant changes were detected.

Effect of Illumination Time on Water Treatment Efficiency of Symbiotic Bacteria and Algae

Using SBR to study the influence of light time on the effluent quality of the symbiotic system of symbiotic bacteria and algae, so as to get the appropriate operating parameters. In the artificial sewage treatment as the goal, then mixed with two sink pool algae and sewage treatment plant activated sludge system, start algae inter-growth, when HRT was 9h, and the temperature is (25±1)°C and pH is about 7, the same water and other parameters are fixed. The change of illumination time, examine the effluent quality and sludge properties, so as to obtain the sewage treatment effect of optimized illumination time. The results showed that when the illumination time was 8 hours, the removal efficiency of total nitrogen, total phosphorus and COD was best, and the activity of SBR was better. Considering the light time is 8 hours, the dark state of the domestic sewage treatment is better for 4 hours.

Evaluation of the effects of disinfectants on algae and mold eukaryotic cells

Evaluation of the effects of disinfectants on algae and mold eukaryotic cells Dr Maryam Sadrnia1, Dr Mohammad Arjomandzadegan *2 , Dr Rima Jeldakova3 1- Assistant Professor , Biology Department, Payame Noor University, Iran. 2- Associate Professor , Infectious Diseases Research Center (IDRC), Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran , arjomandzadegan@arakmu.ac.ir 3- Professor , Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biology, Belarus University, Minsk, Belarus. Abstract: Background and Aim: Quaternary ammonium compounds can be used for growth control of fungi in hospitals and algae in swimming pools. The aim of this study was to evaluate antifungal and antialgal effect of new quaternary ammonium compounds. Material and Methods: In this experimental study, eight tetravalent ammonium salts with different positions in R1 and R2 were synthesized. These compounds were synthesized from 4,4 – Amino methyl biphenyls compounds and were different from each other in biphenyls and amine groups. To determine their effects on molds, they were cultured in potato-dextrose-agar (PDA) medium containing nistatin on the basis of Medallion method. The diameter of inhibitory growth zones for mold in the test cultures were compared with those of the control cultures. The effect of the new compounds on algae strains Clorella vulgaris 157 was evaluated by using glucose solid medium exposed to suitable light at room temperature for 5-3 days. Zones of inhibition were detected. Results: Antifungal effect of compound 149 on the molds was 100%, similar to the effect of Nistatin. This effect was from 68% to 100% for compounds 188 and 178 respectively and lasted for a long time in the culture medium, even after 3 to 7 days no growth was observed. By increasing the concentration of the compounds, compound No. 188 showed a higher inhibitory growth rate for algae in comparison to compounds No. 149 and NO. 178. Three times increase in the concentrations of the compounds resulted in 2.1, 1.45 and 1.38 times increase in the diameters of the zones of inhibition for the compounds No. 188, No. 149 and NO.178 respectively. Conclusion: Compounds used in this study had similar inhibitory effects on eukaryotic cells and their antifungal and anti-algae effects were similar. Increase in antifungal effects led to increased anti algae effect. Use of these compounds is recommended in the industry. Keywords: Quaternary ammonium compounds, Antifungal effect, Algae.

Between-Habitat Variation of Benthic Cover, Reef Fish Assemblage and Feeding Pressure on the Benthos at the Only Atoll in South Atlantic: Rocas Atoll, NE Brazil.

The Southwestern Atlantic harbors unique and relatively understudied reef systems, including the only atoll in South Atlantic: Rocas atoll. Located 230 km off the NE Brazilian coast, Rocas is formed by coralline red algae and vermetid mollusks, and is potentially one of the most “pristine” areas in Southwestern Atlantic. We provide the first comprehensive and integrative description of the fish and benthic communities inhabiting different shallow reef habitats of Rocas. We studied two contrasting tide pool habitats: open pools, which communicate with the open ocean even during low tides, thus more exposed to wave action; and closed pools, which remain isolated during low tide and are comparatively less exposed. Reef fish assemblages, benthic cover, algal turfs and fish feeding pressure on the benthos remarkably varied between open and closed pools. The planktivore Thalassoma noronhanum was the most abundant fish species in both habitats. In terms of biomass, the lemon shark Negaprion brevirostris and the omnivore Melichtys niger were dominant in open pools, while herbivorous fishes (mainly Acanthurus spp.) prevailed in closed pools. Overall benthic cover was dominated by algal turfs, composed of articulated calcareous algae in open pools and non-calcified algae in closed pools. Feeding pressure was dominated by acanthurids and was 10-fold lower in open pools than in closed pools. Besides different wave exposure conditions, such pattern could also be related to the presence of sharks in open pools, prompting herbivorous fish to feed more in closed pools. This might indirectly affect the structure of reef fish assemblages and benthic communities. The macroalgae Digenea simplex, which is uncommon in closed pools and abundant in the reef flat, was highly preferred in herbivory assays, indicating that herbivory by fishes might be shaping this distribution pattern. The variations in benthic and reef fish communities, and feeding pressure on the benthos between open and closed pools suggest that the dynamics in open pools is mostly driven by physical factors and the tolerance of organisms to harsh conditions, while in closed pools direct and indirect effects of species interactions also play an important role. Understanding the mechanisms shaping biological communities and how they scale-up to ecosystem functioning is particularly important on isolated near-pristine systems where natural processes can still be studied under limited human impact.

The Ecotoxicological Impact of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles on Pool Algae in the Presence and Absence of Disinfection Byproducts: a New Research Direction for the Public Health and Safety of Engineered Nanoparticles used in Consumer Products

Recent research on potential carcinogens in recreational waters has spawned public concerns about the long-term public health impacts of disinfectants used in pools. However, no attention has been given to the ecological and public health impacts of metal oxides in cosmetics and sunscreens within swimming pools where leisure activities occur. The discussion in this perspective focuses on the interaction between metal oxide nanoparticles released from swimmers into pools where algae is present, and the synergistic toxicological effects of pool algae adsorbed by metal oxide nanoparticles in the presence of disinfection byproducts in comparison to the absence of contaminants. This perspective will address research approaches to evaluating metal oxide nanoparticle impacts on pool algae, and the challenge of identifying the potential mechanisms leading to transformed algae.

Algal species diversity of arid region lakes in Kazakhstan and Israel

In two arid/semiarid regions, we studied diversity of algae in lakes and pools with salinity ranging from 0.1‰ up to 39‰ In plankton and periphyton of 34 lakes in northern Kazakhstan, we found 252 species belonging to 113 genera of 8 algal divisions. In 24 pools with experimental salinity ranges in the Negev desert of Israel, we recorded 86 species from 47 genera of 6 algal divisions. The dominant groups of both arid regions are represented by widespread species of diatoms, green algae, and cyanobacteria in similar proportions. Alkaliphiles among the indicators of acidification and betamesosaprobionts among the indicators of saprobity prominently prevail in both regions. The indices of saprobity in lakes (1.48–2.7) and in pools (0.75–2.18) reflect a low-trophic loading. Oligohalobes-indifferents are most common in both arid regions. Cluster analysis based on data containing 420 species revealed 9 clusters, of which the highly diverse communities of low mineralized lakes and pools and the low diversity com...

SPATIAL SCALES OF CARBON FLOW IN A RIVER FOOD WEB

Spatial extents of food webs that support stream and river consumers are largely unknown, but such information is essential for basic understanding and management of lotic ecosystems. We used predictable variation in algal δ13C with water velocity, and measurements of consumer δ13C and δ15N to examine carbon flow and trophic structure in food webs of the South Fork Eel River in Northern California. Analyses of δ13C showed that the most abundant macroinvertebrate groups (collector-gatherers and scrapers) relied on algae from local sources within their riffle or shallow pool habitats. In contrast, filter-feeding invertebrates in riffles relied in part on algal production derived from upstream shallow pools. Riffle invertebrate predators also relied in part on consumers of pool-derived algal carbon. One abundant taxon drifting from shallow pools and riffles (baetid mayflies) relied on algal production derived from the habitats from which they dispersed. The trophic linkage from pool algae to riffle invertebrate predators was thus mediated through either predation on pool herbivores dispersing into riffles, or on filter feeders. Algal production in shallow pool habitats dominated the resource base of vertebrate predators in all habitats at the end of the summer. We could not distinguish between the trophic roles of riffle algae and terrestrial detritus, but both carbon sources appeared to play minor roles for vertebrate consumers. In shallow pools, small vertebrates, including three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), roach (Hesperoleucas symmetricus), and rough-skinned newts (Taricha granulosa), relied on invertebrate prey derived from local pool habitats. During the most productive summer period, growth of all size classes of steelhead and resident rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in all habitats (shallow pools, riffles, and deep unproductive pools) was largely derived from algal production in shallow pools. Preliminary data suggest that the strong role of shallow pool algae in riffle steelhead growth during summer periods was due to drift of pool invertebrates to riffles, rather than movement of riffle trout. Data for δ15N showed that resident rainbow trout (25–33 cm standard length) in deep pools preyed upon small size classes of juvenile steelhead that were most often found in riffles or shallow pools. While many invertebrate consumers relied primarily on algal production derived from local habitats, our study shows that growth of top predators in the river is strongly linked to food webs in adjacent habitats. These results suggest a key role for emigration of aquatic prey in determining carbon flow to top predators.

Biomass, species composition and diversity of epipelic algae in mire pools

The biomass, species composition and diversity of epipelic algae in two small pools of contrasting physicochemical characteristics in Miyatoko Mire were studied in 1992 (pool 3 =site B4 and pool 50 =site D2). A total of 93 species and 67 species of epipelic algae occurred at sites B4 and D2, respectively. Considerable differences were observed between the two sites in the seasonal fluctuations of species number, biomass and dominant species. At site B4, little changed with species number during April–August and markedly increased in October, while biomass was largest in April and gradually decreased during June–October. Diatoms and desmids occupied 33–82% and 15–63% of total algal biomass, respectively. At site D2, species number and biomass were small in April just after the snow-thaw, and increased in June and decreased in August and October. Diatoms occupied 90–98% of total algal biomass. The species diversity was always higher at site D2 than B4. As a result of analyses of water chemistry in the two pools, pool B4 can be recognized as a habitat experiencing high disturbance frequency. It is predicted that pools experiencing frequent disturbance will have less epipelic algal biomass and diversity.

Effects of solar radiation and solar radiation deprived of UV-B and total UV on photosynthetic oxygen production and pulse amplitude modulated fluorescence in the brown alga Padina pavonia

The effects of solar radiation on photosynthetic oxygen production and pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorescence were measured in the marine brown macroalga Padina pavonia harvested from different depths from the Greek coast near Korinth. In fluence rate-response curves the light compensation point for photosynthetic oxygen production increased and the saturation level decreased with increasing exposure time to solar radiation. Cutting off the UV-B wavelength range (280–315 nm) from solar radiation reduced the inhibition of photosynthesis, and the organisms were less affected when all of the UV radiation was filtered out. Algae collected from 7 m depth were much more prone to photoinhibition than those harvested from rock pools exposed to unfiltered solar radiation. During continuous exposure to solar radiation, rock pool algae showed photoinhibition after longer periods of time than specimens from 7 m or from dark adapted habitats. When subjected to unfiltered solar radiation the ratio of the variable fluorescence to the maximal fluorescence FvFm (Fv = Fm − Fo) rapidly declined with increasing exposure time. However, again algae from 7 m depth were more prone to photoinhibition than rock pool algae. The differences between the two ecological strains were less obvious when UV-B or total UV was removed from solar radiation. Only in the latter case a complete recovery was observed after 2 h while, when exposed to unifiltered sunlight, only the rock pool algae recovered completely within that time.

Effects of solar radiation and solar radiation deprived of UV-B and total UV on photosynthetic oxygen production and pulse amplitude modulated fluorescence in the brown alga Padina pavonia

The effects of solar radiation on photosynthetic oxygen production and pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorescence were measured in the marine brown macroalga Padina pavonia harvested from different depths from the Greek coast near Korinth. In fluence rate-response curves the light compensation point for photosynthetic oxygen production increased and the saturation level decreased with increasing exposure time to solar radiation. Cutting off the UV-B wavelength range (280–315 nm) from solar radiation reduced the inhibition of photosynthesis, and the organisms were less affected when all of the UV radiation was filtered out. Algae collected from 7 m depth were much more prone to photoinhibition than those harvested from rock pools exposed to unfiltered solar radiation. During continuous exposure to solar radiation, rock pool algae showed photoinhibition after longer periods of time than specimens from 7 m or from dark adapted habitats. When subjected to unfiltered solar radiation the ratio of the variable fluorescence to the maximal fluorescence F v F m (F v = F m − F o) rapidly declined with increasing exposure time. However, again algae from 7 m depth were more prone to photoinhibition than rock pool algae. The differences between the two ecological strains were less obvious when UV-B or total UV was removed from solar radiation. Only in the latter case a complete recovery was observed after 2 h while, when exposed to unifiltered sunlight, only the rock pool algae recovered completely within that time.

Characterization of tidal pool algae in the Mexican Tropical Pacific coast

Tidal pools in the Mexican Tropical Pacific coast have received relatively little attention in spite of their considerable richness in species and wide distribution in the region.

Rock pool algae: species composition determined by chance?

The algal flora was sampled in 15 intertidal rock pools, selected for habitat uniformity within a limited area. The distribution of species agreed closely with that expected at random, whether examined by the distribution of associations, by nesting, by chequerboarding or by incidence functions. The simplest explanation is that differences in specific composition between the pools are caused by chance.

Resource Enhancement by Indirect Effects of Grazers: Armored Catfish, Algae, and Sediment

Armored catfish (Loricariidae) are the major grazers of attached algae in pools of the Rio Frijoles, Panama (9°9' N, 79°44' W). In the dry season, sunny pools were inhabited by °6 individuals loricariids per square metre of grazeable substratum. At these densities, armored catfish depleted algae and cleared sediment from bedrock substrata, leaving sparse standing crops of small, adnate diatoms (primarily Achnanthes spp.). To study the effects of armored catfish at 1/6 their natural density, I stocked four 6—7 cm (SL), 10—g Ancistrus (the most common size class of the most common species in stream pools) in each of five stream pens. Pens enclosed 4 m2 of bedrock substratum, and were alternately stocked or left empty during three consecutive periods of 29, 11, and 11 d. At the end of each period, standing crops of sediment and attached algae, and rates of photosynthesis by attached algae, were measured. The attached algae that developed with sparse Ancistrus had higher standing corps with larger cells or colonies, and higher primary productivity, than did periphyton subjected to heavy grazing by unconfined armored catfish. Even heavy grazing, however, was less deleterious to attached algae than prolonged sedimentation on substrata in enclosures left empty for 11 or 29 d. The net effect of Ancistrus on their algal food changed from depletion at high grazer densities to enhancement at low grazer densities, as sedimentation became more limiting to algae than grazing.

Plant community development in the Byron-Bergen Swamp: marl-bed vegetation

Comparative and Gaussian ordination were used to elucidate vegetational pattern on marl beds in the Byron-Bergen Swamp, Genesee County, NY. The ordinations reflected the physiognomic gradient seen in the field. The gradient consisted of algae in marl pools, short sedges on a low moss mat, tall sedges and short shrubs on low hummocks, and tall shrubs and shrubby trees on larger hummocks. Early invasional patterns are related to the formation of a moss–sedge mat which is further modified through the formation of mounds of various dimensions. Marl sites are invaded by species with differing invasional strategies. Included are mat-forming mosses and sedges which reproduce by rhizomes, seed, and (or) layering. These mats are modified through mound formation by cespitose sedges and by mosses such as Drepanocladus revolvens and Campylium stellatum and through organic matter deposition by all of the higher plants. This results in a general increase in peat depth overlying the marl. Differences exist along the physiognomic gradient from short sedges to tall sedges and short shrubs to tall shrubs and shrubby trees. Carbonate carbon decreases, whereas soil organic matter and cation-exchange capacity increase. There are also increases in the depth to and annual fluctuation in the water table. Stratigraphic cores suggest that this physiognomic gradient is a successional gradient as well. Analyses of these cores indicated significant increases of pH and bulk density with depth as well as decreases in organic matter and cation-exchange capacity, indicating an accumulation of organic matter over the surface of the marl. Tree cores indicate that the surrounding Thuja occidentalis forest is encroaching on the marl beds.

The effects of tidal height, wave-exposure, seasonality and rock-pools on grazing and the distribution of intertidal macroalgae in New South Wales

The effects of grazers (mostly gastropods), height on the shore, wave-exposure, season of the year and the presence of shallow rock-pools on the abundance of intertidal macroalgae were examined on shores at Cape Banks (Botany Bay). At the beginning of each of the four seasons, experimental plots with and without grazers were cleared at four heights on three shores, of increasing exposure to waves, The colonization and growth of algae in these plots were monitored (by measurement of per cent cover and dry wt) for approximately the next 3 months in each season. In grazed plots, foliose algae only grew at the lowest levels on the shores. They were more abundant where wave-action was greater, and during the cooler periods of the year, when growth of the plants was enhanced. Higher on the shore, there was a positive correlation between algal cover in grazed plots and the amount of rainfall during the previous 10 days. In all seasons, there was much greater colonization of foliose algae where grazers were excluded. There was greater algal growth at lower levels on the shore, and where wave-action was stronger. Less algae grew in sheltered areas during warmer times of the year. The major seasonal difference found was the more rapid growth and occupancy of the rock by algae during the cooler seasons of the year. Experimental rock-pools were colonized more rapidly at lower levels on the shore, and during the winter. There was no difference between pools and control (non-pool) areas during winter. During summer, however, there was a greater per cent cover and biomass of algae in pools from which grazers had been excluded than in similar control areas. The results can be interpreted as being due to the greater survival and more rapid growth of algae under conditions of increased moisture, decreased emersion and decreased temperatures and light regimes during low tide (i.e. when physical stresses were reduced). These physical factors were, however, less important to the distribution of the algae than were the effects of grazers. Although few algae were present in any experimental plot, the number of species of algae per plot was considerably reduced in grazed areas. The results confirm that the patterns of vertical distribution and abundance of algae on rock-platforms in New South Wales are primarily the result of the activities of grazers. All algae in the present study were capable of living higher on the shore than they were normally found. Much of the variation along a gradient of wave-exposure, from season to season, and small-scale variation from place to place at any time can be explained by the complex interactions between the activities of grazers, and the effects of variations in the physical environment that influence the recruitment, survival and growth of the algae.

Effects of pesticides on pure and mixed species cultures of salt marsh pool algae.

A number of studies on the effects of pesticides and other toxicants in single species algal cultures have demonstrated that while some species show inhibition of growth and/or photosynthesis when exposed to levels as low as a few ppb (WURSTER 1968), other species are resistant to levels of several ppm or higher (UKELES 1962, MENZEL et al. 1970, DERBY & RUBER 1970). Because of differential algal sensitivity one might predict that toxicants would have no long-term inhibitory effect on biomass and production in mixed-species cultures of algae. Instead, a shift in community composition, with the more resistant species replacing the sensitive ones might be expected. There have been few studies using several species communities comprised only of algae. MOSSER et al. (1972) found that addition of DDT or PCB reversed the outcome of competition between two species and also that neither final biomass nor productivity were affected by the toxicants. In this study we report on the general sensitivity of five species of salt marsh pool algae to five pesticides and then proceed to examine more closely the effects of carbaryl on single species and on communities made up of three and five species in order to determine the effects on community sensitivity of varying the composition and numbers of species.

Influence of Stabilizer Concentration on Effectiveness of Chlorine as an Algicide

Cyanuric acid, used as chlorine stabilizer in swimming pool waters, has a relatively minor effect on the algicidal efficiency of free chlorine. The toxicity of free chlorine to three swimming pool algae was reduced slightly by 25 mg of cyanuric acid per liter if inhibiting, but less than algicidal, concentrations of chlorine were employed. Higher stabilizer concentrations (50, 100, and 200 mg/liter) generally resulted in no further reduction in the algicidal efficiency of free chlorine beyond that observed at 25 mg/liter.

Production of Dominant Emergent Vegetation and of Pool Algae on a Northern Massachusetts Salt Marsh

Production of Dominant Emergent Vegetation and of Pool Algae on a Northern Massachusetts Salt Marsh

Laboratory Comparison of the Effectiveness of Several Algicides on Isolated Swimming Pool Algae

The most frequently encountered species of algae found in swimming pools in the Phoenix metropolitan area were used to evaluate the laboratory effectiveness of five commercially available pool chemicals used for algal control. The pool algae used were the xanthophyte Pleurochloris pyrenoidosa, the chlorophyte Oocystis sp., and the cyanophytes Phormidium minnesotense and Plectonema sp. Pad Algae Kill (a chlorine derivative) was effective in the control of all test organisms. Algaedyn, a silver-containing algicide, was effective on P. minnesotense and Plectonema sp., but caused only a slight inhibition in the growth of P. pyrenoidosa and Oocystis sp. Quarternary ammonium (Padicide) was more effective in controlling the growth of Phormidium and Plectonema than Pleurochloris and Oocystis. Algimycin (herbicide) only reduced the growth of Oocystis and was ineffective on the other species. Bio-Gard (copper) reduced the growth of Pleurochloris, but had no effect on the other test organisms. The technique used to quantify the influence of algicides on isolated pool algae appears to be adaptable to those algae that form distinct colonies on an agar substratum.