Algal Samples Research Articles

Structure of Hydrobiocenoses in Mineral and Thermal Springs of the Lake Baikal Region: A Review

The available published data and materials from our own research into 14 mineral and 19 thermal springs of the Lake Baikal Region performed in 1997–2017 are summarized. Soil profiles have been laid and samples of water, algae, lichens, mosses, and vascular plants and qualitative and quantitative specimens of zoobenthos have been taken. The profile of soils in the area of springs is short and their chemical composition corresponds to that of water; they are called parasoils. We reveal 257 species of algae in the mineral springs, and most of them (196 species) are assigned to the diatoms. The lichen flora is nonspecific. Seven species are found in the mineral springs, and 100 lower taxa are sampled around the thermal springs. Six types of communities of zoobenthos are specified in the mineral sodium chloride springs according to the group of macroinvertebrates, dominating in biomass: Gastropoda-like, Turbellaria-like, Chironomidae-like, Amphipoda-like, Psychodidae-like, and Ephydridae-like. In the thermal springs, four types of communities of zoobenthos are recognized: Gastropoda-like (with the specification into mono-, two- and three-dominant), Odonata-like, Amphipoda-like, and Chironomidae-like. The thermal springs are mainly characterized by high biomass typical for eutrophic and hypertrophic lakes. The species status of mollusk Lymnaea thermobaicalica—endemic to high-thermal springs—is confirmed.

Some Filamentous Blue Green Algae from Sukhana Dam, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Algae from Sukhana dam, Aurangabad were investigated from 2015-2017. Algal samples were col-lected from 3 different locations of the water body. Several taxa belonging to classChlorophyceae, Bacillariophy-ceae, Cyanophyceae and Euglenophyceae were observed. In the present study 21 species of genusOscillatoria,be-longing to class Cyanophyceae were observed.These areOscillatoriaacuta, O. annae,O. bornetii,O. brevisvar.non granulata,O. calcuttensis,O. chalybea,O. chilkensis,O. cortiana,O. curviceps,O. fracta,O. jenensis,O. limosa,O. mougeotia,O. nigra,O. ornate var. Crassa,O. perornata,O. sancta,O. simplicissima,O. subbrevis,O. tenuis,O. viza-gapatensis.These species are being reported for the first time from the study area.

Screening and enrichment of high lipid producing microalgal consortia

Lipid content is the main parameter for the evaluation of microalgae towards biodiesel production. The present study was aimed at the screening of desirable algal consortia based on lipid content for further processing into biofuel. Twenty different algal consortia were investigated for lipid content qualitatively by Nile Red and quantitatively by gravimetric method and FTIR. Nile Red is used as a fluorophore for physically characterizing the lipid body in algal cultures. The yellow fluorescence in all the samples confirmed the presence of lipid content when observed under a fluorescent microscope. Lipid contents of algal consortia estimated by gravimetry varied from 3.53–16.21%, which was higher than that assessed by FTIR analysis. FTIR spectroscopy can be used for the quantitative estimation of lipid content, protein and carbohydrate concentration. FTIR analysis of the samples revealed the presence of lipid content by virtue of methylene and methyl stretching peaks at 2800–3000 cm−1. The appearance of stretching vibrations at 1600–1700 cm−1 and 1000–1200 cm −1 obtained by FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of protein contents and carbohydrate, respectively in all the samples. Two algal consortia SM 4 and SM13 were screened out on the basis of high lipid concentration. These algal samples can be further optimized for enhanced biofuel production.

Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis of different Solvent extracts of Turbinaria ornata-A Marine Macroalgae

The clean seaweed was shade dried for one week under room temperature and was milled to obtain the powdered form. Powdered algal samples were subjected to methanol and aqueous solvents and the filtrate was collected. The screening of the methanol extracts showed the presence of active constituents like Alkaloids, amino acid, steroids, flavanoids, Tannins, phenols. The other groups of compounds were not present in methanol extracts. Phenol, Glycoside, Protein, Terpenoids and flavoinoids are present in the aqueous extract.. Among the two extracts, aqueous extract contained the highest amount of phenol and flavanoid compounds of about 1.187 and 1.020. The difference of results obtained might possibly be due to the different method of extraction and solvents polarities. Medicinal plants are the best sources for chemical ingredients, antimicrobial and antioxidant agents for cure of different diseases. The aqueous and methanol crude extracts from T. ornata showed good amounts of total phenol and flavonoids contents and these crude extracts could be used as antibiotics or different aliments.

Fucoxanthine Content in Some Black Sea Brown Algae (Ochrophyta, Phaeophyceae)

The results of the study of fucoxanthine content in the six common and abundantly grown species of brown algae: Scytosiphon lomentaria (Lyngb.) Link, Petalonia zosterifolia (Reinke) Kuntze, Punctaria latifolia Grev., Desmarestia viridis (O.F. Muller) J.V. Lamour., Ectocarpus siliculosus (Dillwyn) Lyngb. from Odessa Bay and Cystoseira barbata (Stackh.) C. Agardh from the Tiligul Estuary of the Black Sea are presented. Algae-macrophytes are a very important component of marine ecosystems. They are used in the food industry and also in agriculture as fertilizers and feed additives. The global algae industry annually processes up to 8 million tons of raw macrophyte biomass. Among processed products, polysaccharides (agar, carrageenan, fucoidan, alginates) are of great importance. They are used in the food industry, medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetology, etc. Biologically active substances of algae include pigments used as food coloring and anti-oxidants, as well as medicinal raw materials. Fucoxanthin is the predominant pigment of brown algae. It is used in the treatment of tumor diseases; it also has anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and anti-oxidant properties, stabilizes carbohydrate metabolism and the cardiovascular system. The pigments were extracted with 96% ethanol. Separation was carried out by thin-layer chromatography on a silofol plate. The pigment concentration was determined by the optical density at the appropriate wavelength and pigment extinction coefficient in this solvent. On average, the content of fucoxanthin in the studied species of algae varies in the range of 0.55-4.11 mg/g of dry biomass. Its smallest content was observed in D. viridis, the largest -in P. latifoli. Seasonal variations in pigment content were noted: in most species, it increased from February to April. Brown algae samples were taken at two stations: in a relatively clean area and in an area with high levels of pollution near the sewage discharge of the biological treatment plant. It was shown that with an increase in the level of eutrophication of water, the content of fucoxanthin in algae decreases. P. latifolia, having the highest content of fucoxanthin among studied species of the brown algae, is a promising object of biotechnology.

A validated ultra-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection coupled to electrospray ionization and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method to simultaneously quantify taurine, homotaurine, hypotaurine and amino acids in macro- and microalgae

A fast and reliable method for the simultaneous quantification of Taurine, Homotaurine, Hypotaurine and 19 amino acids in algae samples by Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array and tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–DAD-MS/MS) was optimized and validated.Target compounds were chromatographically resolved in less than 15 min. (ESI)-MS/MS electrospray ionization and pure analytical standards were used to confirm the identity of all analytes, while quantitation was carried out with diode array detection. Validation parameters of the method were satisfactory: Resolution of peak pairs was always higher than 1.55; all analytical curves showed R2 > 0.99, with working ranges between 0.04 mg/g to 33.1 mg/g and 9.13 mg/g to 107 mg/g and the Lack-of-fit test was not significant. The intra and inter-day precision of the method (expressed as relative standard deviation) were lower than 6% and recovery values ranged between 95% and 105%. The method was demonstrated to be robust to small deliberate variations of seven variables such sample weight, volume of hydrolysis reagent, hydrolysis time and temperature, derivatization time, column temperature and flow rate.The mean expanded uncertainty for all the target compounds were 0.7 mg/g with a coverage factor of 2.Method Limits of detection and quantification varied from 0.005 * 10−3 mg/g to 0.11 * 10−3 mg/g and 0.01* 10−3 mg/g to 0.22 * 10-3 mg/g respectively, allowing the routine determination of these bioactive compounds in algae extracts. Therefore, the method was successfully applied for the quantitative determination of the 22 target compounds in five seaweed commercial samples.Relevant compounds were quantified for the first time in the five algae species, namely: i) Taurine in Gracilaria longissima and Chlorella spp., ii) Gamma-aminobutyric acid in G. longissima and L. japonica, iii) Hydroxyproline in G. longissima, Ulva lactuca, Porphyra spp., and L. japonica and iv) Homotaurine and Hypotaurine in the five species studied.

Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) and Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) in Nigerian Coast, Gulf of Guinea

This investigation is aimed at providing a baseline survey of the current status of the occurrence and spatio-temporal distribution of amnesic shellfish poisoning and paralytic shellfish poisoning in Nigerian coast, Gulf of Guinea. The study applied Jellett Rapid Test technic on algal samples collected from 8 states of South-south (SS) and South-west (SW) zones of coastal Nigeria, spanning the Bight of Bonny to the Bight of Benin, in the Gulf of Guinea, during the rainy and dry seasons, to screen for the presence of the human syndromes of amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) and paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) produced by domoic acid and saxitoxin respectively. Classified as low, medium, high and highest, various levels of these syndromes were detected across the length of the Nigerian coast. Comparatively, SW region had more syndromes (PSP & ASP) (64%) than the SS (36%) region of Nigerian coast. The prevalence of PSP (68%) was more than ASP (31%) in both zones with rainy season also recording higher (27%) ASP and PSP for SW than SS (12%) zone. Seasonal consideration revealed that more syndromes (ASP &PSP) were recorded in the rainy season compared to dry season. With the confirmed presence, spatial and temporal distribution of ASP and PSP in the coastal waters of Nigeria, the need for regular monitoring of algal syndromes and toxins screening is advocated.

Potassium release kinetics from three invasive algae mixed with different media in leachate column studies

Algae can be an important source of nutrients in agriculture. The objectives of this study were to (1) estimate the potassium (K+) release rate from algae, commercially prepared algal cell walls, and synthetic sources, and (2) better understand effects of polymeric chemistry and potential mechanisms among test materials. Three leachate column studies were conducted for 16 weeks. The experiments consisted of five K+ sources applied at 0, 112, and 336 kg K ha−1. At each leachate collection, half pore volume deionized water was applied and leachate samples were analyzed using a K+ ion selective electrode. Results from these studies showed that the amount of K+ released was significantly higher under synthetic K+ in the first 6 weeks (4100–4200 mg L−1) and sharply declined thereafter. Release of K+ from algal samples was slower in the first 3 weeks and peaked in 8 to 9 weeks (2800–3400 mg L−1). The release of K+ from agar weed Gracilaria salicornia was significantly lower than from carrageenan producer, Eucheuma denticulatum and Kappaphycus alvarezii. Another leachate study was conducted for 6 weeks using agar and carrageenan and found that K+ release from agar columns was significantly lower (10–12%) than from carrageenan. We conclude that the differences in release rate of K+ among dried algae may be explained in part by differences in cell wall composition.

Do the presence and physiological stage of algal mats affect the meiobenthic community in a tropical estuary?

The effects of compacted algal mats growing attached to sediments on the abundance and community structure of intertidal sediment meiofauna and harpacticoid copepod assemblages were evaluated on a tropical estuarine mudflat. Differences in fauna based on the presence of algae (within vs. outside the algal patches) and the physiological stages of the algae (live vs. decomposing algal patches) were compared. In general, lower densities occurred within algal patches for most meiofaunal groups, except for harpacticoids, which showed an increase in number in the live algal patches (LAP). Non-metric MDS analysis clearly distinguished both meiofauna community and harpacticoid assemblage in relation to the presence of algae and the physiological stage. Organic matter, carbohydrates, proteins and photosynthetic pigments were higher within algal patches and highly correlated with meiofauna variables. One species of harpacticoid (Cletocamptus sp.1) dominated the LAP samples and thus reduced species richness and diversity of harpacticoids in these samples. The species Robertsonia mourei occurred exclusively in decomposing algal patches (DAP) and probably is an opportunistic species within the DAP samples. Strong differences regarding live and decomposing algae samples highlighted the importance of physiological stage in understanding meiofaunal responses to algal mats.

Toxic metals (Al, Cd, Pb and Hg) in the most consumed edible seaweeds in Europe

Algae are becoming increasingly common because of their importance in vegan and vegetarian diets. Although they are a source of essential minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, these marine organisms have a high absorption capacity that can lead to the accumulation of toxic metals which are dangerous in humans. The objective of this study is to determine the content of toxic metals (Al, Cd, Pb and Hg) in edible seaweed samples marketed in Spain (Europe) to assess the toxicological risk from the intake of these metals. A total of 73 European and Asian algae samples marketed in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain) were analyzed by ICP - OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometry) and by CV-AAS (Cold Vapor – Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry). The major toxic metal was Al, whose highest level was recorded in seaweed salad (57.5 mg Al/kg dry weight). Regarding the origin, the highest concentrations of Al (38.9 mg/kg dw), Cd (0.59 mg/kg dw) and Pb (0.40 mg/kg dw) were found in Asian algae, which may be due to the high levels of industry in the Asian countries. However, the highest concentration of Hg (0.017 mg/kg dw) was found in European algae. The consumption of 5 g of dehydrated seaweed per day represents a percentage of contribution to the tolerable weekly intake of Cd of 22.7%, this percentage may entail a risk when considering total Cd intake. However, the consumption of 5 g a day of dehydrated seaweed would not, pose a risk to the health of adults.

Aldehydes identified in commercially available ω-3 supplements via 1 H NMR spectroscopy.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality globally. Studies have suggested that supplementary ω-3 oils may provide cardiovascular protection, although the literature is equivocal. Recently, it has been established that many commercially available ω-3 supplements are unacceptably oxidized, leading to myriad potential health risks. One oxidation product of concern is aldehydes, which have been shown to have mutagenic, cytotoxic, and inflammatory properties that may contribute to many different disease processes, including CVD. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of aldehyde contamination in commercially available ω-3 supplements. We tested 12 different ω-3 oils (6 fish, 4 krill, 2 algae), using 1 H-nuclear magnetic resonance scanning. This work is of a pilot nature, as such we randomly selected and purchased 12 different oils over the counter from various local retailers according to the sales representatives' recommendations. The four krill products contained aldehydes at concentrations between 5.652 (±0.496) and 6.779 (±1.817) mMol/L. Both algae samples contained aldehydes: 1.235 (±0.111) and 1.565 (±0.618) mMol/L. Two of the six fish oils contained aldehydes 1.568 (±0.291) and 4.319 (±2.361) mMol/L. There is currently no standard for aldehyde content nor for labeling of ω-3 supplements. Two-thirds (8 of 12) of the ω-3 supplements tested in this study contained aldehydes. Aldehydes have the potential to precipitate serious health problems even at very low absolute intake volumes. These findings may provide reason for sober reflection.

Characterization of phosphorus in algae from a eutrophic lake by solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

The identification and quantification of phosphorus (P) compounds derived from algal biomass are crucial for a better understanding of algal P dynamics in lake ecosystems. Quantity and species of P in algae collected from Chao Lake (a typical ultra-eutrophic lake) in China were analyzed by chemical analysis and 31P NMR. Total P (TP) in algae biomass ranged from 2671 to 5385 mg kg−1 of dry matter. Proportion of organic P (Po) accounted for 78.3 ± 2.6% in algae biomass collected from the western part of Chao Lake, which was higher than that (64.7 ± 1.4%) in the eastern part of the lake. Eight P species including inorganic P species (orthophosphate and pyrophosphate) and Po species (five monoesters P and diesters P) were identified in NaOH–EDTA extracts of algal samples. Monoesters P accounted for 48.4% in extracted TP, which was the main component of Po. β-glycerophosphates were the largest component of monoesters P, which accounted for 22.6% in extracted TP. This study improved knowledge on the mechanism of the cycling of endogenous P in the aquatic system and would be helpful in developing a strategy for control of repeated algae blooms in eutrophic Chao Lake.

Unresolved quenching mechanisms of chlorophyll fluorescence may invalidate MT saturating pulse analyses of photosynthetic electron transfer in microalgae.

Chlorophyll a fluorescence is a powerful tool for estimating photosynthetic efficiency, but there are still unanswered questions that hinder the use of its full potential. The present results describe a caveat in estimation of photosynthetic performance with so-called rapid light curves (RLCs) with pulse amplitude modulation fluorometers. RLCs of microalgae show a severe decrease in photosynthetic performance in high light, although a similar decrease cannot be seen with other methods. We show that this decrease cannot be assigned to energy-dependent non-photochemical quenching or photoinhibition or to the geometry of the algal sample. The measured decrease in electron transfer rate is small in the tested siphonaceuous algae and higher plants, but very notable in all planktonic species, exhibiting species-dependent variation in extent and reversibility. We performed in-depth analysis of the phenomenon in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, in which the decrease is the most pronounced and reversible among the tested organisms. The results suggest that quenching of fluorescence by oxidized plastoquinone alone cannot explain the phenomenon, and alternative quenching mechanisms within PSII need to be considered.

Bio oil production from microalgae via hydrothermal liquefaction technology under subcritical water conditions

The upsurge in the concerning issues like global warming, environmental pollution and depletion of fossil fuel resources led to the thrust on third generation biofuels. Algal research has gained a lot of importance in the recent years. Effective utilization of algal biomass in a single step is necessary as it can produce Bio-oil (BO), gases and in addition to a variety of valuable products, along with nutrient recovery. Hydrothermal liquefaction technology does not require the energy intensive drying steps and is an attractive approach for the conversion of algae to liquid fuels. This study investigates direct hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of microalgae (Algal biomass) to produce bio-oil using a high-pressure batch reactor under subcritical water conditions. Three different micro algae samples namely, Chlorella vulgaris, Botryococcus braunii and Scenedesmus quadricauda have been examined under hydrothermal liquefaction with different water concentrations (1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9 & 1:10 ratio) at certain temperature range (200–320 °C), pressure (60 bars) and reaction time (30 min). Through liquefaction, the highest BO yield achieved with S. quadricauda was 18 wt% at 1:9 ratio. The chemical components of the obtained bio-oil were analyzed via gas chromatography and the results indicated that the algal BO was composed of furan, phenol, acid, and ester derivatives. Moreover, it was found that by increasing the temperatures, the BO yields increased. This was due to the polymerization reactions that converted the small biomass components into heavier molecules. FTIR spectra showed high percentage of Aliphatic, Phenolic, alcoholic, Carboxylic and Hydroxyl groups for solid residues.

Nutritional profile and in vitro digestibility of microalgae grown in anaerobically digested piggery effluent

Microalgal biomass grown in wastewater can be a sustainable source of animal feedstock. We have previously shown the feasibility of mass algal cultivation on undiluted anaerobic digested piggery effluent (ADPE). In this study, we evaluated the nutritional value, pathogen load, in vitro digestibility and potential physiological energy (PPE) of ADPE-grown microalgae as a potential feedstock for pigs. Pathogen load of ADPE-grown microalgae was within regulatory limits. Crude protein of ADPE-grown microalgae was higher than full fat soybeans but was much lower than conventional soybean meals (SBM) currently employed as a source of protein in pig feeds. The essential amino acid content of the microalgae was also lower than SBM. Fatty acid composition of the microalgae was favourable with an omega-3:omega 6 ratio of ~1.9, which may offer potential for value-adding use in some diets. In vitro digestibilities were higher in faeces than at the ileum and were lower for the defatted microalgal biomass. The (theoretical) net energy values of ground and bead-milled algae samples were found to be comparable to that of deshelled sunflower meal used as a feeding ingredient for pigs, but were lower than SBM.

Tardigrades of North America: Aquatic Tardigrades of Western Missouri, U.S.A.

Fresh water tardigrades are an under documented group in the United States. In the 80 years since the first aquatic tardigrade was reported, there have been only 106 records across only 19 states and more than half of the 29 species have been recorded only once. For his master's thesis at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, in 1976–77, Philip Staley extracted 430 aquatic tardigrades and eggs from samples of freshwater alga. Three species were identified: Dactylobiotus dispar, Murrayon pullari and Thulinius augusti of which M. pullari is new to Missouri and the fourth aquatic species in the state. This report adds 25 records of fresh water tardigrades from eight Missouri counties and expands the national records of geographic distribution for aquatic tardigrades by 24%.

First records of marine tardigrades (Arthrotardigrada) from Fuerteventura (Canary Islands, Spain)

Marine tardigrades are very poorly known and up to now only c. 200 taxa have been reported around the world (mostly from European coasts). In a marine algae sample, collected on the coast of Fuerteventura island (Atlantic Ocean, Canary Islands), six specimens of three marine Arthrotardigrada species were found: Archechiniscus minutus Grimaldi de Zio & D’Addabbo Gallo, 1987, Styraconyx craticulus (Pollock, 1983) and Styraconyx sargassi Thulin, 1942. This is the third record of marine tardigrades from the Canary Islands. In this paper we also list all heterotardigrades known from marine environments around Africa.

Lindavia biswashanti, a new diatom species (Bacillariophyta) from Gokyo Cho, Himalayan Range, Nepal

A new species of Bacillariophyta (diatom) is described from Gokyo Cho, a lake near Mount Everest in the Himalayan Mountain Range. Water and algal samples were collected during an expedition to Sagarmatha National Park (SNP), Nepal in May 2016. Samples collected during this expedition reveal a new species of Lindavia, described herein with ecological information provided. The new species of Lindavia has three triangular undulations and depressions in the central area. This species has a likeness to the Pantocsekiella ocellata sensu lato group. It differs from the species in this group in undulation shape and ultrastructure numbers and distribution. Investigation into previously described Lindavia in the SNP region has identified a taxon, Cyclotella antiqua var. minor, which is herein transferred into Lindavia in order to conform to the parent taxon Lindavia antiqua.

Assessment of Shatt Al-Arab River Water Quality by Using Palmer's Algal Index, Basrah, Iraq

Monthly Algal samples were collected from selected three sampling station of Shatt Al-Arab River from August 2016 to July 2017. The most pollution tolerant genera and species of four groups of algae were recorded from three sites of the river.Palmer (1969) Algal Genus pollution index and Algal species pollution index were employed to study the water quality of Shatt Al-Arab River. The total score of Algal Genus pollution index of station 1, 2 and 3 were 21, 24 and 21 respectively. While total score from the Algal species pollution index at station (1) was 18, station (2) was 21, While at station (3) was 17 recorded from Shatt Al-Arab River. The total score of each station was greater than 20 indicating the confirmed high organic pollution. The present study showed that the water quality of Shatt Al-Arab River was affected from domestic uses at the downstream of the river.

English

Synthetic dyes have been used for different purposes in various fields, but their continued usage has presented both environmental and health challenges. Therefore, alternative safer dye sources are inevitable. Algae have different pigments with potential for exploitation and usage in different socio-economic sectors. The aim of this study was to bio prospect dyes from macro-algal species of the Indian Ocean marine ecosystem. Six algal samples were collected from Coastal beaches along the Kenyan Indian Ocean during the wet and dry seasons. The samples were processed and used for pigment extraction and screening. Pigments were extracted using ethanol, acetone, diethyl ether and hexane in sequential with distilled water. Subsequently, the crude extracts were analyzed for pigment component using spectrophotometry and qualitatively for presence of active components. From the six species, Ulva reticulata was the best dye producer in ethanol and distilled water. All extracts were coloured green except those from Galaxaura subverticillata which gave a dark red extract in 80% hexane and a brown extract in distilled water. The crude extracts also contained different active components, with phenols being the most common component in ethanol and acetone extracts. This study demonstrates that macro-algae species from the Indian Ocean ecosystem contain useful pigments for biotechnological exploitation. Future studies should focus on increasing the pigment content through genetic manipulation of macroalgae and analysis of the pigments using modern methods such as the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Key words: Marine biodiversity, marine bio-resources, macro-algae, pigments.