Azolla Caroliniana Research Articles

Initial Biomass Effect of Azolla caroliniana Culture on Performance in the Southern Kyrgyzstan Conditions

The object of the study was Azolla caroliniana Willd., collected from reservoirs of collector-drainage networks in the vicinity of Osh (Ak-Buura river basin), and also grown in laboratory conditions. To determine the initial biomass of the culture, Azolla caroliniana was grown outdoors in tray units with an area of 1 m2 of water surface, a capacity of 500 l, a depth of 50 cm and a nutrient medium prepared from chicken manure (5 g/l), which was renewed every 5 days. The initial biomass of the Azolla culture added to the trays in option I was 100 g/m2, in option II 200 g/m2, option III 300 g/m2, option IV 400 g/m2, option V 500 g/m2, option VI 600 g/m2, VII option 700 g/m2. The A. caroliniana high performance in variants III and IV is the result of its daily growth rate. As a result, the daily increase was 129.0±0.4 g/m2in option III, and 112.4±0.3 in option IV. With a low biomass (in options I and II), azolla does not have time to fully use the available nutrient medium; due to the excess nutrient medium, other aquatic plants and algae develop strongly. In this regard, the growth and development of Azolla shoots and rhizoids slows down. In the III and IV variants of the Azolla experiment, due to the complete absorption of nutrients, normal development of the root structure and shoots occurs; accordingly, the daily growth rate of raw biomass was higher than in the other variants. Thus, when growing Azolla caroliniana in field conditions or in greenhouses, it is advisable to use 300-400 g of initial biomass per 1 m2 of water surface.

Exploring the Micro-nutritional and Anti-nutritional Aspects of Azolla for its Application as Functional Food Ingredient

Background: Aquatic plants are unexploited sources of bioactive and functional compounds having the potential as food ingredients for developing novel functional food and nutraceutical products. Azolla, an aquatic fern, is an excellent source of nutrients and secondary metabolites and hence finds application possibilities in the human diet. The goal of the current investigation was to expore the micronutrients as well as identify certain anti-nutritional elements in the water fern Azolla. Methods: In two species of Azolla viz., Azolla pinnata and Azolla caroliniana; the micro and anti-nutritional factors were determined using standard laboratory methods. Result: The findings demonstrated that both species of Azolla contained hydrocyanide, phytic acid, oxalate, tannin and saponin, all of which were below the critical level. Comparatively, saponin was found to be in the highest concentration of 9.13±0.012% and 7.52±0.031% and hydrocyanide was the lowest with the content of 0.0045±0.0004% and 0.0036±0.0002% for A. pinnata and A. caroliniana, respectively. Azolla caroliniana, however, outperformed Azolla pinnata in total caroteniod concentration, demonstrating its superior cardio-protective and anti-cancerous properties. Results indicated Azolla pinnata species to be more suitable for fortification as it contained lower anti-nutrients and was high in chlorophyll content when compared to the counterpart.

The problem with benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers in the environment ‐ are the aquatic plants the solution for them?

The present work describes the studies on the usefulness of Wolffia arrhiza (L.) Horkel ex Wimm., Lemna minor L., Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid. and Azolla caroliniana Willd. for the removal of five benzotriazole UV filters (BUVs): 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole (UV-P), 2-tert-butyl-6-(5-chloro-2 H-benzotriazol-2-yl)− 4-methylphenol (UV-326), 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(5-chloro-2 H-benzotriazol-2-yl)phenol (UV-327), 2-(2 H-benzotriazol-2-yl)− 4,6-di-tert-pentylphenol (UV-328), and 2-(2 H-benzotriazol-2-yl)− 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol (UV-329) from polluted waters. The optimal conditions for the removal of BUVs by phytoremediation were selected. The effect of the real matrix (treated and raw wastewater) on the removal efficiency was checked. The kinetic and the mechanisms of removal processes were established. Optimal culture conditions were: 0.5 g W. arrhiza per 100 mL of the model solution, light exposure 16 h, and pH 6.5; 0.5 g S. polyrhiza per 100 mL of the model solution, light exposure 16 h, and pH 9; 2.2 g A. caroliniana per 100 mL of the model solution, light exposure 10 h, and pH 9. Sorption was the mechanism that accounted for most of the removed BUVs in the cultures with A. caroliniana and S. polyrhiza. The UV-326 was removed the fastest in cultivation with L. minor, S. polyrhiza, and A. caroliniana. S. polyrhiza removed BUVs from solutions with laboratory medium most effectively. W. arrhiza removed three of the BUVs with higher efficiency from raw sewage than treated sewage.

Nutritional properties of raw and cooked Azolla caroliniana Willd., an aquatic wild edible plant.

Azolla caroliniana Willd. is an understudied wild edible plant native to the Eastern United States. Other species of Azolla have been used across the world for several thousand years as a livestock feed and as "green manure." The use of Azolla for human consumption is thought to be limited by its high total polyphenolic content (TPC). However, the TPC and nutritional content of A. caroliniana has not been thoroughly studied. We measured TPC and other nutrients before and after cooking methods designed to lower TPC. We found that TPC was 4.26 g gallic acid equivalent (GAE) kg-1 DW in raw A. caroliniana. All cooking methods significantly lowered TPC. Protein content was 19% DW, and the apparent protein digestibility was 78.45%. Our yield was 173 g FW m-2 day-1 and 5.53 g DW m-2 day-1. Azolla caroliniana is a high-yielding plant with great potential for cultivation and domestication.

Utilisation of Sun Dried Azolla Caroliniana in Substituting Groundnut Oil Cake in the Conventional Carp Feed

Sun- dried and powdered Azolla caroliniana substituting 20, 40, 60 and 63.6% of the protein supplement (groundnut oil cake) of the conventional diet (at 10, 29.2, 60 and 63.6% incorporation in diet, respectively) of Indian major carp was fed to Labeo rohita fingerlings for a period of 90 days. Substitution of groundnut oil cake up to 40% in the protein supplement resulted in 115.48±4.20% and 24.85±4.22% increment in the fish body weight and length, as against compared to 100.40±4.53% and 23.38±1.05% in the control, respectively. There was no significant (P < 0.05) variation in the muscle protein and moisture contents. Feeding on a diet with increased substitution of groundnut oil cake by Azolla (60% or more in protein supplement) resulted in lower body weight and length increment as well as lower muscle protein content, with no significant difference in moisture content as compared to the control diet.

Comparative Study on the Phytochemical Characterization and Biological Activities of Azolla caroliniana and Azolla filiculoides: In Vitro Study.

Azolla is a floating fern known for its various biological activities. Azolla caroliniana and Azolla filiculoides are multifunctional plants that exhibit biological activity in multiple ways, making them beneficial for various applications. This study aimed to compare the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxicity activities of two Azolla species, namely Azolla caroliniana and Azolla filiculoides. GC-MS analysis revealed distinct patterns of phytochemical composition in the two species. The methanol extracts of A. caroliniana and A. filiculoides exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity against Geotrichum candidum, Enterococcus faecalis, and Klebsiella pneumonia. Furthermore, both extracts demonstrated potential antioxidant activity, as evidenced by a dose-dependent increase in a ferric-reducing activity power (FRAP) assay. Additionally, the extracts showed promising anti-inflammatory activities, including inhibition of protein denaturation, heat-induced red blood cell (RBC) hemolysis, and nitric oxide (NO) production by macrophages. Moreover, the methanolic extracts of A. caroliniana displayed higher cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells than those of A. filiculoides in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that the methanolic extracts of A. caroliniana and A. filiculoides contain distinct compounds and exhibit potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities against HepG2 cells. In conclusion, our data indicate that the methanolic extracts of A. caroliniana and A. filiculoides have differential phytochemical compositions and possess potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and HepG2 cytotoxic activities.

Ecological distribution and genetic diversity of Azolla in Uganda

BackgroundAzolla is an important aquatic fern whose agronomic potential has not been fully exploited in Uganda. This study aimed at determining the genetic variation in the Azolla species existing in Uganda and the factors influencing their distribution in the different agro-ecological zones of Uganda. Molecular characterization was preferred in this study because of its efficiency in detecting variations among closely related species.ResultsFour species of Azolla were identified in Uganda with 100, 93.36, 99.22 and 99.39% sequence identities to the reference database sequences of; Azolla mexicana, Azolla microphylla, Azolla filiculoides and Azolla cristata, respectively. These different species were distributed in four out of the ten agro-ecological zones of Uganda which are situated in close vicinity to large water masses. The principal component analysis (PCA) results revealed that maximum rainfall and altitude significantly accounted for the variations in the distribution of Azolla with factor loadings of 0.921 and 0.922, respectively.ConclusionMassive destruction coupled with prolonged disturbance of Azolla’s habitat negatively affected its growth, survival and distribution in the country. Therefore, there is a need to develop standard methods that can preserve the various species of Azolla, so as to salvage them for future use, research and reference.

A promising direction for improving the environmental situation at the Aral Sea

The Aral Sea, which was unique, beautiful and one of the largest closed water bodies in the world, almost within the life of one generation was on the verge of complete extinction, which turned into an unprecedented disaster and irreparable damage to the livelihoods of the population living here, the ecosystem and biodiversity of the Aral Sea region. The article presents the results of many years of experiments on the cultivation of aquatic plants (Azolla caroliniana) in environmentally unfavorable conditions of drainage systems. The results of the analysis of drainage water before and after the cultivation of the above plants are presented. The possibility of using the program "Google Earth Pro" for such studies is considered.

Effect of partial replacement of soybean meal with Azolla cristata with or without enzyme supplementation on the performance and profitability of broiler chicken

Effect of partial replacement of soybean meal with Azolla cristata with or without enzyme supplementation on the performance and profitability of broiler chicken

Dietary treatment of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with aquatic fern (Azolla caroliniana) improves growth performance, immunological response, and disease resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae cultured in bio-floc system

The present study was performed to examine the effects of aquatic fern (Azolla caroliniana) (AQF) on growth performance, skin mucus and serum immunities, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia reared in a biofloc system. Three hundred Nile tilapia fingerlings (average 10.48 ± 0.56 g fish-1) were distributed into 15 glass tanks (150 liters tank−1) at a concentration of 20 fish tank−1. A completely randomized design was used in triplicates, where the control group was fed 0 g kg−1 AQF (AQF1), while AQF2, AQF3, AQF4, and AQF5 were fed 25, 50, 100, and 200 g kg−1 AQF, respectively. Growth and immunological specimens were collected every 4 weeks, while disease resistance was conducted after 8 weeks post-feeding. The results showed that dietary administration of AQF significantly promoted the growth rate and feed efficiency of Nile tilapia, with the maximum level noticed in fish fed 100 g kg−1 AQF. However, no significant differences were observed between the AQF1 and AQF5 diets. Similarly, incorporation of AQF resulted in significantly higher skin mucus and serum immunities than the control, except for AQF5. The highest values were observed in fish fed the AQF5 diet. The challenge test showed that in contrast to the control (26.67%), the AQF administrated diets led to significantly higher survivability by 60% (AQF2), 66.67% (AQF3), 83.33% (AQF4), and 53.33 for AQF5. The relative percent survival (RPS) was 45.45%, 54.55%, 77.27%, and 36.36% in AQF2, AQF3, AQF4, and AQF5, respectively. The highest RPS against S. agalactiae was noted in the AQF4 diet. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 100 g kg−1 AQF can be potentially used as a growth promoter and immunostimulant in Nile tilapia aquaculture.

The effect of three types of aquatic plants on water purification and removal of cadmium under different salinity conditions in northwestern Iran

Abstract Phytoremediation is a high-performance and cost-effective approach to clean up contaminated water. This study aimed to investigate the rate of cadmium (Cd) uptake and changes in absorption of other elements using different plants at different cadmium concentrations under salinity conditions. This study was performed as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications at Zanjan University located in northwestern Iran. For this purpose, three aquatic plants, Azolla Caroliniana, Watercress, and Duckweed, were used. In these experiments, different levels of Cd (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg L−1) in the nutrient solution as well as different NaCl concentrations (0, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mM L−1) were employed. After producing nutrient solutions with salinity and different Cd concentrations, three plants were grown in them for 30 days. The absorption of different elements such as Cd, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na was measured in the plants. The results showed that the studied plants absorbed high concentrations of Cd. It was also concluded that the salinity of nutrient solution directly relates to Cd concentration in the plant tissues. The highest concentration of Cd in Azolla Caroliniana in 40 mg Cd and 80 mM NaCl was obtained with an average of 3,470.8 mg kg−1. In general, the results showed that the use of all three plants is suitable for purifying Cd-contaminated water.

The use of Azolla caroliniana compost as organic input to irrigated and rainfed rice ecosystems: Comparison of its effects in relation to CH4 emission pattern, soil carbon storage, and grain C interactions

The factors governing the interactive relationship between organic inputs and release of methane from rice fields are still relatively poorly understood. In this context, the significance of Azolla caroliniana-compost (AC) has been assessed as a component of integrated nutrient management in reference to a few other organic inputs (green manure (GM), rice husk dust (RHD), and cow dung (CD) in two rice ecosystems (irrigated and rainfed). Overall, emissions of methane in irrigated and rainfed conditions ranged between ~0.75–1.2 and ~0.71–1.0 g m−2, respectively. Its emission was strongly correlated with microbial biomass C (r = 0.659–0.720: P < 0.05) and respiration (r = 0.590–0.828: P < 0.05) in soil. Results of regression analysis suggest that crop yield and grain carbon stock should play a significant role in reducing methane emissions from rice soils in both types of ecosystems. Interestingly, AC application led to about 1.1–1.4 folds greater soil carbon sequestration and 1.2–1.4 folds lower global warming potential when compared to CD and GM treatments; AC in turn recorded 2.8% and 5.1% growth in grain yield relative to CD and GM, respectively. It is also observed that friable organic inputs (e.g., AC and RHD) could efficiently suppress methane approximately by 30–36% through the enhancement of porosity, C-storage, and recalcitrant C fractions in soil. Thus, AC and RHD are potential candidates for sustainable rice cultivation in the subtropics with low methane emission and high productivity.

Aquatic ferns (Salviniaceae) in the Holocene sediments from the Bermejo River, Eastern Chaco, Argentina

The Gran Chaco Americano is a large subtropical plain and one of the major biogeographic and morphostructural territories of South-America. Eastern Chaco is the wettest sector of the Gran Chaco and has heterogeneous environments. It includes different types of woodlands and forests together with savannahs, grasslands and wetlands. These vegetation patterns have been proposed to be the result of the Quaternary alluvial plain dynamics and the intensive migration of the Chacoan main rivers. Fossil records-that show change-are scarce and most of them come from the Fidelidad Formation (late Holocene). This Formation is located on the Bermejo River natural levees near the Villa Escolar Town (Formosa Province, Argentina). Fern fossils discovered in this Formation correspond to heterosporous aquatic ferns (Salviniaceae). The impressions were assigned to Salvinia cf. minima Baker 1886. These correspond with orbicular to elliptical leaves, with a smooth margin, and both the apex and the base are rounded. The base bears a slightly developed petiole. The venation pattern is dichotomous with anastomoses forming areolas. Generally, four tubercles (trichome bases) per areola are observed. The massulae and spores correspond to Azolla cristata Kaulfuss 1824. The massulae are rounded, oval or kidney-shaped and have septate glochidia. Spores are trilete and spheroidal. The floating ferns Salvinia and Azolla are good indicators of open fresh-water or wetlands paleo-environments. Hence, the lower levels of the Fidelidad Formation are associated with mostly calm freshwater bodies such as rivers, streams or wetlands, which are closely related to the activity of the Bermejo River during the late Holocene. These aquatic fern fossils provide new insights into paleoenvironmental conditions and increase the paleontological richness of the Eastern Chaco.

Mechanism of interactions in C.I. Acid Red 18 – Floating plants and polymeric resins systems: Kinetic, equilibrium, auxiliaries impact and column studies

The characteristics of the removal processes of the popular textile dye C.I. Acid Red 18 (AR18) using floating plants and anion-exchange resins are presented. The use of widespread floating plants Wolffia arrhiza, Lemna minor, Spirodela polyrhiza, and Azolla caroliniana was examined. Abiotic and biological mechanisms have been identified that are important in the removal of AR18 by plants. It has been shown that only two mechanisms are responsible for the removal of AR18 from aqueous solutions: plant uptake and plant sorption. The rate constants of these processes reach 0.099 d−1 and 0.130 d−1, respectively. The most effective dye removal was registered during experiments conducting with W. arrhiza, with an efficiency of 62% on average. In the adsorption process, the weakly basic anion exchanger Amberlyst A23 (A23) and non-functinalized resin Amberlite XAD761 (XAD761) of phenol-formaldehyde matrices were used. The sorption capacities of A23 and XAD761 determined from the Langmuir isotherm model were calculated as 329.1 mg/g (r2 = 0.999) and 22.3 mg/g (r2 = 0.998), respectively. The auxiliaries presence such as 0.5–2 g/L CH3COOH, 5–25 g/L Na2SO4, 0.1–0.5 g/L anionic or non-ionic surfactants in 500 mg/L AR18 solution do not reduce AR18 uptake by A23. Kinetic data of adsorption follows pseudo-second order equation rather than pseudo-first and intraparticle diffusion ones. The working ion exchange capacity (108.3 mg/mL) determined in the AR18-A23 column system confirmed a successful application of the weakly basic anion exchanger in purification adsorption step.

Students’ Self-Organization and Problem Solving Competencies Formation in Explaining Water Resources Ecological Conditions and Bioecological Features of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Azolla caroliniana&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;

Self-organization and problem solving competencies are important in formation of students’ knowledge, skills, attitudes and responsibility. In this article, authors explain formation of self-organization and problem solving competencies in students during teaching water resources ecological conditions. Enhancement of the ecological situation is the result not only of general crisis in the region economy, associated with low investment activity and the emergence of psychological disciplines, but also due to a large number of economic structures. Research goals and objectives in this study include bio-ecological features, the distribution of plant Azolla in the southern Kyrgyzstan and its use as a valuable green fertilizer, protein and vitamin supplement for various farm animals. Study of Azolla caroliniana and its influence on the water conditions in southern Kyrgyzstan can be concluded with year-round introduction in aquariums, trenches, shallow water, valuable plant biomass can be obtained, the use of which can solve such problems as increasing soil fertility, enriching feed with nutrients in branches of livestock, poultry, fish farming and wastewater treatment.

Ecological impact of phytoinvasions in Ukraine

Ecological impact of phytoinvasions in Ukraine

Using collector-drainage water in saline and arid irrigation areas for adaptation to climate change

The paper presents data of scientific research on the conditions of the Bukhara oasis of Uzbekistan reducing the salinity of collector-drainage water through water plants Lemna minor, Azolla caroliniana, Eichhornia crassipes and scientific and practical recommendations for the irrigation of cotton biologically purified collector-drainage waters. A decrease in the salinity of collector-drainage water with a salinity of 3-5 g/l was achieved with the help of aquatic plants Lemna minor and Azolla caroliniana, using them as an additional source of water for irrigation of cotton variety Bukhara-102, a high harvest of raw cotton, as well as saved river water and prevented environmental pollution.

Facile synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Azolla caroliniana, their cytotoxicity, catalytic, optical and antibacterial activity

In this study, eco-friendly synthesis of silver nano particles was achieved by a novel, facile route using Azolla caroliniana extract which act as a capping as well as reducing agent. Different synthetic parameters and the optical properties of the synthesized AgNPs was also studied. The characterization of synthesized AgNPs was carried out by Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction studies (XRD), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). TEM studies verified that the AgNPs formed have crystalline nature and spherical shape with an average diameter of 23 nm. The cyclic voltammetry profile of AgNPs modified electrode in NaOH depicted prominent redox peaks evidencing an impressive electrochemical response. The AgNPs shows high catalytic activity towards reduction of Crystal Violet and Fuchine which are highly polluting organic compounds. In addition to that the prepared AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against the tested microbes and also exhibits in vitro cytotoxicity against lymphoma ascites cells.

СТРУКТУРА ВОДНОЇ ФЛОРИ ВОДОТОКІВ КІЛІЙСЬКОЇ ДЕЛЬТИ ДУНАЮ

Здійснено структурно-порівняльний аналіз таксономічної, екологічної та географічної структури флори водотоків Кілійської дельти Дунаю. Конспект досліджуваної флори нараховує 41 вид з 27 родів, 21 родин, 16 порядків, 4 класів та 3 відділів. Проаналізовано таксономічний склад основних таксономічних одиниць, та співвідношення між ними: відділ Magnoliophyta переважає (90.2 %), в межах якого домінує клас Liliopsida (83.8%). До перших трьох провідних родин належать Potamogetonaceae, Lemnaceae та Hydrocharitaceae, які складають 36.6% від загальної кількості флори У складі флори представлені шість видів адвентивної фракції – один археофіт (Acorus calamus L.) і п’ять кенофітів (Azolla caroliniana Willd., Azolla filiculoides Lamark., Elodea canadensis Michx., Sagittaria latifolia Willd., Vallisneria spiralis L.). Рідкісні рослини, що охороняються на території всієї України у водотоках КДД представлені трьома видами: Salvinia natans (L.) All., Nymphoides peltata (S.G.Gmel.) Kuntze та Trара natans L. s.l. До регіонально рідкісних видів, які охороняються тільки на території Одеської області належать ще п’ять видів: Lemna gibba L. (вразливий), Bolboschoenus maritimus (L.) Palla (недостатньо вивчений), Najas marina L. (недостатньо вивчений), Potamogeton gramineus L. ( недостатньо вивчений), Typha grossheimii Pobed. ( недостатньо вивчений). Екологічна структура представлена трьома екотипами, серед яких найбільше гідрофітів – 23 (56.1 %). В ньому переважає екогрупа вільно плаваючі на поверхні води (22%). Співвідношення екотипів гідрофіти, гелофіти, гігрогелофіти складає 4:2:1. В хорологічному спектрі зональних географічних груп найбільша кількість видів відноситься до плюризональної групи – 18 видів (44%). Серед регіональних груп переважає циркумполярне поширення, його мають також 18 видів (44%). За характером розміщення ареалів видів в океанічних або внутрішніх водоймах найбільша кількість видів належить індиферентній до континентальності та океанічності групі. Подібний спектр є характерним для водної флори України та для інших флор різних регіонів помірної зони Євразії.

Phytophagy in a Polypedilum (Diptera: Chironomidae) species new to Australia and Japan: taxonomy and expanded Asian distribution

AbstractPolypedilum johannseni Sublette &amp; Sublette (= Chironomus (Polypedilum) anticus Johannsen), described from Indonesia, is recorded from Australia, where larvae are newly reported to feed on species of the aquatic fern Azolla Lam. (Salviniaceae). We extend the Australian distribution for the species that was reported previously as Polypedilum ‘nr seorsus’ from northern Australia. Review of the species in Asia shows previously known presence in Singapore as Polypedilum anticus and in Thailand and the Philippines, where the larva was reported to feed on Azolla. In China, Polypedilum johannseni is reported from a diverse range of aquatic host plants, including Azolla. We also newly report the species from Japan, where larvae feed on hybrid Azolla cristata × Azolla filiculoides and Trapa japonica Flerow (Lythraceae). We review the taxonomy, provide new illustrations, record and map the wider distribution and comment on morphological variation. Here, we also redescribe the Australian Polypedilum seorsus (Skuse) with which P. johannseni has been confused, and from China, we redescribe Polypedilum tigrinum Hashimoto, the larva of which is a proven aquatic phytophage that co‐occurs with several species of Polypedilum, including P. johannseni.