Blue-green Algal Species Research Articles

Blue-Green Algal Flora on Archaeological Monuments of India

Forty-six blue-green algal species belonging to fifteen genera, e.g. Gloeocapsopsis, Gloeothece, Myxosarcina, Chroococcidiopsis, Lyngbya, Phromidium, Plectonema, Nostoc, Calothrix, Tolypothrix, Chtorogloeopsis, Fischerella, Hapalosiphon, Westiellopsis and Stigonema occurred on the exposed surfaces of various archaeological monuments from different regions of India. All these blue-green algal species have been isolated and maintained in the culture collection at the Department of Botany, Utkal University.

Blue Green Algal Species Isolated from the Paddy Field Soil of T. Athikarai, Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu

Algae are photosynthetic organisms grouped under thallophytes of lower plants which grow well in water and on moisturized soil. There are different types of algae belong to different classes such as Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Xanthophyceae, Phaeophyceae, Rhodophyceae and Cyanophyceae. Among these cyanophyceae members are more important in agriculture for enhancing the nitrogen assimilation in crop field. Since they are applied as a biofertilizer in such field. In the present study, soil samples collected from the T. Athikarai, Sivaganagai district, Tamil Nadu. Cyanobacterial species were isolated from the T. Athikarai soil by using BG11 and CHU10 media under aseptic condition. pure form is important step for his or her efficient use as biofertilizer. They were identified as Microcystis and Oscillatoria spp. Then these organisms were subcultured continuously for checking the purity of culture maintenance.

Selection of Indigenous Algal Species for Potential Biodiesel Production

Currently, India utilizes an enormous amount of fossil fuels and a major quantity of fossil fuels are imported from other countries. It’s a giant load on the Indian Economy. The burning of fossil fuels causes global warming. Carbon neutral, renewable fuels are essential for environmental protection and it’s economically sustainable for India. Biofuels attention day by day due to a rise in energy demands and environmental concerns. Biodiesel produced from algal oil a possible renewable and carbon-neutral substitute to fossil fuels. The feasibility of the algal-based biodiesel industry depends on the selection of adequate species regarding commercial oil yields and oil quality. Present research work to bioprospecting and screening of 19 algal and blue-green algal species, the oil percentage and the fatty acid profiles, used for analyzing the biodiesel fuel properties. Oil from Tolypothrix phyllophila algal strain and compared it with another eighteen algal and blue-green algal strains from different literature. Tolypothrix phyllophila algal strain contains approximately 12.6% lipid on a dry weight basis. We also compared the FAME profile of 19 algal and blue-green algal strains and calculated and compared the fuel properties such as cetane number, Iodine Value, etc. of the biodiesel derived from these algal and blue-green algal oils based on chain length and saturation. We also investigated the 19 algal and blue-green algal fatty acid profiles and its suitability for biodiesel production and strains selection through PROMETHEE (Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations) and GAIA (geometrical analysis for interactive aid) analysis.

Differential Response of Cylindrospermum musicola, Calothrix javanica and Westiellopsis prolifica to Endotaf (Endosulfan, 35%), an Organochlorine Pesticide

The effect of Endotaf (Endosulfan, 35%) pesticide was studied on nitrogen fixation efficiency of Cylindrospermum musicola, Calothrix javanica and Westiellopsis prolifica at different concentrations of pesticide in the nitrogen free BG-11 medium. Total nitrogen fixed by blue-green algal species was estimated by conventional Micro- kjeldahl method in the laboratory cultures at each concentration of Endotaf pesticide. The results obtained during the present investigation indicated a progressive decrease in the total nitrogen content of the tested blue-green algae with increasing concentrations of the Endotaf pesticide. However, nitrogen fixation of most of the blue-green algae was also increased at the lower doses of pesticide. The consequences of the results revealed that Calothrix javanica was emerged as most compatible and tolerant to the increasing Endotaf pesticide doses than the other tested blue-green algal species. On the other hand, Cylindrospermum musicola was found to be highly susceptible as even at 2.5 ppm of Endotaf. Calothrix species was capable to tolerate upto 10 ppm of Endotaf while in Westiellopsis prolifica and Cylindrospermum musicola, the pesticide tolerance range was found to be upto 5 ppm and 2.5 ppm with Endotaf, respectively. Further increase in pesticides concentrations a gradual decline in the total nitrogen content occurred in all the tested blue-green algal strains. It is concluded that indiscriminate use of these pesticides may cause adverse effects on the nitrogen fixing blue-green algae of various crop fields, which has a direct influence on total productivity. Since it is essential to screen efficient blue-green algal strains those are capable of growing and fixing nitrogen at higher rate even in presence of recommended doses of the agrochemicals including pesticides, before their inoculation into the field.

Molecular characterization of blue-green algae (Anabaena constricta) and comparative studies of biodiesel production from other species

Biodiesel can substitute fossil fuels adequately and thus, considered ‘future fuel’. Thus, identifying a promising algal strain for efficient biodiesel production is a very important endeavor. In the present investigation, the blue green algae, Anabaena constricta could be grown aseptically attaining exponential phase, 3 days post inoculation, responds to phototropism and amenable to both autotrophic and heterotrophic mode. Phylogenetic analysis reveal that Anabaena constricta grouped separately from other algal strains used in the study, making it unique in nature. Further, comparative studies of selected algal and blue green algal strains based on the oil percentage and fatty acid profile indicate potential biodiesel properties. The total lipid content of Anabaena constricta is estimated to 14% of the dry weight, and fatty acids profiling indicate presence of 11 fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), principally palmitic acid (16:0), oleic acids (18:1), linoleic acid (18:2), palmitoleic acid (16:1). The algal species, Hydrodictyon registered highest percentage of unsaturated fatty acids (59.5%), while highest content of saturated fatty acid was found in Anabaena constricta (51.5%). Cetane Number of seven algal and blue green algal biodiesel varied from 54.77 to 58.2 and Saponification Value varied from 205.6 to 211.39. PROMETHEE & GAIA analyses indicate both the Rhizoclonium and Tolypothrix species outranked while Hydrodictyon and Anabaena constricta are the least suitable species in seven algal and blue-green algal species studied for biodiesel production. Well-characterized strains offer promise for biodiesel production at a cost-effective level. The present study focus on the renewable fuel, which is useful for reducing the carbon footprint with potential to impact self-sustainability in fuel sector, without modification in current infrastructure.

Phytoplankton Studies of the Rabigh Dam Stream, Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia

A PRELIMINARY Checklist on phytoplankton dynamics of the Rabigh Dam Stream was investigated during the wet (January and February) and arid (July and August) seasons of 2018. Composite sample were collected along the Rabigh Dam Stream. These outcomes provide useful information on the checklists and ecology of plankton’s species which could be potentially used as bio-indicators for assessing and monitoring the Rabigh Dam Stream. Five main algal groups were recorded namely: Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Pyrrophyceae. This study identified 65 phytoplankton species consisted of Blue-green algae (9 species), Green algae (46 species), Euglenoids (1 species), Diatoms (6 species), and Dinoflagellates (3 species). The following order of dominance was; Cyanophyceae> Chlorophyceae> Euglenophyceae> Bacillariophyceae> Dinophyceae. In spite the number of blue-green algal species was low, they represented 63.62% of the total phytoplankton followed by Chlorophyceae (19.08%), Euglenophyceae (11.21%), Bacillariophyceae (5.72%), respectively. On the other hand, the Dinophyceae represented the rarely group (0.37%) of the total phytoplankton. There were main changes in phytoplankton composition due to the projects drinking water reservoir construction. It could be related to the severe human activities and difference in sampling strategies. It was concluded that all the dams had well balanced phytoplankton communities. The changes in phytoplankton composition and numbers were significantly varying among the period of study.

Note on taxonomy of Chlorogloeopsis fritschii (Mitra) Mitra et Pandey with soil analysis, collected from a rice field in West Bengal, India

While studying on paddy field blue green algae, author for the first time recorded a blue green algal species Chlorogloeopsis fritschii (Mitra) Mitra et Pandey from rice field soil in summer during 2013 in Hooghly, West Bengal, India. In the present paper, taxonomical description with microphotographs of the species has been provided. In addition to that, soil which was collected from the algal occurrence site has been analyzed. The different physico-chemical parameters of soil were as followed: pH: 7.1; EC: 0.142 dSm-1; OC: 6.6 mgkg-1; Ca2+: 4.6 cmol+kg-1; Na+: 0.71 cmol+kg-1; K+: 0.15 cmol+kg-1; CEC: 12.6 cmol+kg-1; WHC: 45%. Soil textures were as: sand: 36.2%, slit: 28.1% and clay: 35.7%. This study of soil showed its nature and present nutrient content. As the alga contains heterocyst and can fix atmospheric nitrogen to soil so, it can apply in rice fields as biofertilizer to enhance the yield of rice and increase of soil fertility. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Identification of novel cyanobacterial compounds for oral disease through in vitro and insilico approach

In this research, we have conducted docking study to screen bioactive compounds from Microcystis aeruginosa and Phormidium corium. Among the two blue-green algal species were analyzed for chemical nature of bioactive substances using TLC and GC-MS methods. The antimicrobial compounds identified were phenolics, alkaloids, steroids. In the present study as reported that M. aeruginosa curde extract contained the bioactive compound Microginins, while Cyalobolide B was detected from P. corium. The phytochemical analysis of M. aeruginosa (Microginins), provided ethaneloic acid, Octanal, 3,7,11-Trimethyl-1,6,10-dodecatrien-3-ol (nerolidal), Monomethyl hydrazine and formic acid. The cumulative effect of these phytochemical provided more effective antimicrobial compound in inhibiting microbial growth. The phytochemical analysis of P. corium (Cyalobolide B) exhibited Ethaneloic acid, Dihydrodiplodialide, 3, 7, 11-Trimethyl-1, 6, 10-dodecatrien-3-ol (nerolidal), 1-Dodecanol, 1-Hexadecanol (CAS) and nanonic acid. These compounds together exhibited more effective antimicrobial substance in inhibiting microbial growth. Which members of a community interact with themselves as well as with different host structures and components of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. The pathogenesis of this dental infection is a multi factorial process that results in a serious degenerative disease of the Oral candidiasis. In the present study SAP (secreted aspartyl proteinases in virulence and pathogenesis) is taken as a case study molecule to understand high reactive responses of various drugs administered for the oral candidiasis. The drugs are being compared with the SAP from C. albicans and SpaP (cell surface antigen SpaP gene) from S. mutans. The SAP and SpaP interacted with formic acid, nerolidal, octanol and nonanoic acid using docking methods. The exponentially increasing speed of computational methods makes a more extensive use in the early stages of drug discovery attractive if sufficient accuracy can be achieved.

Anabaena koreana sp. nov. (Cyanophyceae), a new species, and new record of fresh-water blue-green algae from Korea

The present study summarizes the occurrence, distribution and autecology of 12 taxa of the class Cyanophyceae collected from several swamps, reservoir and highland wetlands in South Korea from 2009 to 2012. A new species, Anabaena koreana sp. nov. and 11 taxa of blue-green algae newly recorded are described and illustrated. Anabaena koreana is similar to A. oumiana, A. spiroides and A. crassa in that the trichomes form regular coils. However, A. koreana is distinguished from these three species by the morphological characteristics of the vegetative cell, heterocyst, and akinet shape and size. This study considers 12 blue-green algal species, including a new species, Anabaena koreana sp. nov. and 11 species that are recorded for the first time in the Korean freshwater algal flora. Among them, the genus Nostochopsis Wood ex Bornet et Flahault 1886 had not previously been recorded in Korea.

Seasonal changes in benthic algal communities of the upper subtidal zone in Sanya Bay (Hainan Island, China)

A floristic study of the marine plants and algae at Luhuitou reef, Sanya Bay, Hainan Island, China, was conducted during the rainy (October 2008 and November 2010) and dry seasons (April 2009 and February 2012). Specimens were collected in the upper subtidal zone (from 0.5 to 3 m depth at low tide). A total of 156 taxa were collected, including 143 macrophyte species (90%), 12 blue–green algal species (10%), and the seagrass, Thalassia hemprichii. The most diverse group was the Rhodophyta (79 taxa or 55%), followed by the Chlorophyta (38 taxa or 25%) and then the Phaeophyceae (26 taxa or 20%). In the upper subtidal zone, macroalgae formed two types of communities: polydominant communities of turf-forming algae and monodominant and bidominant communities of foliose or fleshy algae. Seasonal changes occurred in the dominant species, which appear to be caused by periodic annual events of thalli detachment and subsequent community succession. In spite of heavy pollution from dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus in Sanya Bay, the subtidal flora has not undergone any dramatic changes in species numbers or composition and is similar to that of unpolluted regions in the Indo-Pacific.

Sorgoleone, a sorghum root exudate: Algicidal activity and acute toxicity to the ricefish Oryzias latipes

The discovery of natural and natural-based compounds has resulted in its application as an alternative to synthetic algicides to control harmful algae in aquatic systems. Of the many natural-product-based algicides, sorgoleone, a natural plant product from Sorghum bicolor root exudates has been investigated for its controlling effect on different algal species and its acute fish toxicity. Growth of the blue green algal species Microcystis aeruginosa Kützing was completely inhibited by the crude methanol extract of sorghum root at 20μgmL−1. The most noticeable inhibition was observed in the bioassay of n-hexane soluble extract, where 98% growth inhibition occurred in M. aeruginosa at the concentration of 1.25μgmL−1. Sorgoleone very effectively controlled blue green algae inhibiting 97% of M. aeruginosa at 0.5μgmL−1 and 99% of Anabaena affinis Lemmermann at 4μgmL−1. In contrast, inhibition of the green algae species Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck and Scenedensmus spp. at 16μgmL−1 sorgoleone was 87 and 68%, respectively. There were no mortalities or adverse effects observed in any of the fish exposed to water control, solvent control, and a nominal concentration of 1μgmL−1 during the test period. The no observed effect concentration (NOEC) value was 1.5μgmL−1 for the tested fish (O. latipes). Sorgoleone can be considered as an effective and an ecologically and environmentally sustainable approach to controlling harmful algae.

Active substance from some blue green algal species used as antimicrobial agents

The concept of biological control for health maintenance has received widespread attention during the last few years. Therefore, the main objective of this work was to look for active substances that could be used as antimicrobial agents in an efficient and safe manner. To achieve this target, five different extracts (ethyl acetate, chloroform, diethyl ether, methanol and water) from three blue green algal species (Anabaena flos aquae (Linnaeus) Bory; Anabaena variabilis (Kutzing) and Oscillatoria angustissima West and West) were examined. This different algal extracts were tested in vitro for their antimicrobial effects against eight Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria in addition to two groups of fungi (filamentous fungi and yeast) using agar well diffusion method. The results showed that the ethyl acetate extract of A. flos aquae notably inhibited nearly the whole tested bacteria and filamentous fungi with minimal activity against tested yeasts. Furthermore, a significant reduction in sporulation as well as dry weight of the two filamentous fungi was found with ethyl acetate extracts. The toxicity of ethyl acetate extract to Artemia salina showed that the effective concentration that would inhibit their growth by 50% (LC50) after 24 h of incubation was 17, 41 and 45 mg.ml -1 for A. flos aquae, A. variabilis and O. angustissima, respectively. The antagonistic materials from ethyl acetate extract of different cyanobacterial species were identified using gas liquid chromatography mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The main components of ethyl acetate extract of A. flos aquae consisted of heptadecane and 7methylheptadecane representing 26.11 and 18.65%, respectively.

Aerophytic Cyanophyceae (Cyanobacteria) from Some Cairo Districts, Egypt

Twenty three aerophytic blue-green algal species were isolated and identified from 5 districts in Cairo, namely: Nasr City, Abassiya, Downtown, Maadi and Tebbin. Downtown contained the highest numbers of total algal species (13 species) during the study throughout the years 2004-2005 in comparison to other districts. The composition of aeroalgal taxa varied with seasonal changes. Chroococcus limenticus, Lyngbya lagerheimii, Phormidium ambigum and Schizothrix purpurascens have been isolated during the both years 2004-2005, while the rest of algal species (nineteen species) have been trapped either in 2004 or 2005. Nostoc spp. is the most common isolate of all algal isolates during the study. Analysis of air pollutants such as SO2, NO2, suspended particles less than 10 micro (PM10), black smoke and lead are also recorded. Downtown showed the highest concentration of SO2, NO2 and PM10 level during the present study in comparison to other sites. The interaction between air pollutants and aerophytic Cyanophyceae species was concerned.

Relationships between the biomass of algal crusts in fields and their compressive strength

In the desert areas of China investigated by the authors, various biological crusts were predominately associated with three blue-green algal (cyanobacterial) species, Microcoleus vaginatus Gom., Phormidium tenue (Menegh.) Gom. and Scytonema javanicum (Kütz.) Born et Flah. Their biomass and their compressive strength were measured simultaneously in the field in this study. It was also found that the compressive strength of algal crusts was enhanced with the increasing of algal biomass from an undetectable level to a value as high as 9.6 mg g −1 dry soil. However, when the algal biomass decreased, the compressive strength did not descend immediately, but remained relatively steady. The higher the algal biomass became, the thicker were the algal crusts formed. Given the same biomass, the highest compressive strength of man-made algal crusts in fields was found at an algal ratio of 62.5% M. vaginatus, 31.25% P. tenue and 6.25% S. javanicum, and it reached 0.89 kg cm −2. When the biomass of the crusts increased above the value of 8.16 mg chl a g −1 dry soil, the compressive strength would not ascend easily. It indicated that the compressive strength of man-made algal crusts appeared temporarily saturated in the field.

수종 담수적조 원인종들의 형광특성과 적용연구

【The freshwater blooms mainly blue-green algal blooms occur frequently in the lower Naktong River in summer, which provoke many socio-economical problems; therefore, the early detection of bloom events are demanding through the quantitative and qualitative analyses of blue green algal species. The in vivo fluorescence properties of cultured strains of Microcystis aeruginosa, M. viridis, M. wesenbergii, M. ichthyoblabe, Anabaena cylindrica, A. flos-aquae, and Synedra sp. were investigated. Wild phytoplankton communities of the lower Naktong River were also monitored at four stations in terms of their standing stocks, biomass and fluorescence properties compared with its absorption spectram. The 77K fluorescence emission spectra of each cultured strains normalized at 620 nm was very specific and enabled to detect of blue green algal biomass qualitatively and quantitatively. The relative chlorophyll a concentration determined by chlorophyll fluorescence analysis method showed significant relationship with chlorophyll a concentration determined by solvent extraction method ( $R^2$ = 0.9 0.906), and the blue-green algal cell number determined by microscopic observation ( $R^2$ = 0.5 0.588), which gives insight into applications to early detection of blue green algal bloom.】

<i>Oscillatoria simplicissima</i>: an autecological study

Oscillatoria simplicissima is a blue-green alga that was first observed in the Vaal River during 1984. It replaced Microcystis aeruginosa as the dominant blue-green algal species and became dominant after an increase in the organic phosphorus supply in the Loch Vaal catchment area to form algal blooms of great intensity. Although this blue-green alga is presumably non-toxic, a study over a seven-year period shows that it is one of the most important bloom-forming blue-green algal species in the Vaal River, interfering with recreational activities as well as water purification. During this study, environmental variables influencing the development of blue-green algae in a natural environment were studied in order to provide background information for growth studies of this group under controlled conditions. This paper gives an overview of an autecological study done on O. simplicissima in the Vaal River at Balkfontein, as well as the isolation and growth requirements of this blue-green alga under controlled conditions. Water SA Vol.29(1) 2003: 105-112

Biotransformation of an organochlorine insecticide, endosulfan, by Anabaena species.

This study assesses the role of the blue-green algal species present in the soil in the dissipation of endosulfan and its metabolites in the soil environment. Two Anabaena species, Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 and Anabaena flos-aquae, were used in this study. Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 produced three principal biotransformation compounds, chiefly endosulfan diol (endodiol), and minor amounts of endosulfan hydroxyether and endosulfan lactone. Trace amounts of endosulfan sulfate were detected. In comparison, the biotransformation of endosulfan by Anabaena flos-aquae yielded mainly endodiol with minor amounts of endosulfan sulfate. An unknown compound was produced up to 70% from endosulfan spiked in the medium inoculated by A. flos-aquae after 8 days of incubation. Therefore, the endosulfan fate was dependent on the species. Within 1 day of incubation, two Anabaena species produced low amounts of beta-endosulfan after application of alpha-endosulfan. These results suggest the presence of isomerase in the Anabaena species. Further studies using a fermentor to control the medium pH at 7.2 to minimize chemical hydrolysis of endosulfan revealed a major production of endodiol with minor amounts of endosulfan sulfate and the unknown compound. These results showed that the production of the unknown compound might be dependent on the alkaline pH in the medium and that the production of endodiol by A. flos-aquae might be biologically controlled. This study showed that two algal species could contribute in the detoxification pathways of endosulfan in the soil environment.

Secondary wastewater treatment by microalgae isolated from Gaborone oxidation ponds

Microalgae play a fundamental role in primary and secondary wastewater treatment. In this work the growth, photosynthetic activity and removal of phosphorus from wastewater effluents by indigenous blue-green algal species, Spirulina and Oscillatoria, isolated from Gaborone oxidation ponds was studied. Oscillatoria and Spirulina cultured in wastewater effluents grew as much as the algae cultured in specific medium. The photosynthetic activity for Oscillatoria and Spirulina cultured in wastewater effluents was 91 and 122 mole of O2 evolved mg —1 chlorophyll a h —1 respectively compared to 52 and 92 mole of O2 evolved mg —1 chlorophyll a h —1 respectively when cultured in defined medium, BG110. Oscillatoria removed 100% orthophosphate within six days of culturing while Spirulina removed 86% after eleven days of culturing. The results indicate that these blue-green algal species can grow in wastewater effluents for biomass production and for further reduction of excess nutrients from wastewater effluents before discharge into the receiving streams. (Botswana Journal of Technology: 2002 11(1): 39-43)

A predictive model of long-term stability after biomanipulation of shallow lakes

The eutrophication of lakes causes serious problems, such as water-bloom consisting of the harmful blue-green algae. To prevent an unusual degree of growth of phytoplankton, various restoration methods have been tried. “Biomanipulation”, which uses zooplankton to prey on the phytoplankton, is a promising method because it can, in principle, create a desirable ecosystem. However, there are many equivocal points in the long-term stability of a newly developed ecosystem after biomanipulations. The fate prediction of a water ecosystem using a lake mathematical model is thus essential for implementing biomanipulations. There remain, however, many uncertain points in the dynamic parameters of the lake models, especially the parameters concerned with zooplankton and fish. In this study, we established a lake mathematical model based on the carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus flows among the biotic and abiotic substances in a water ecosystem. In this model, two types of phytoplankton (non blue-green algae and blue-green algae), three types of zooplankton (rotatoria, cladocera and copepoda), planktivorous fish (crucian carp), detritus and dissolved matters were considered. The dynamic parameters were estimated with a set membership estimation algorithm using random scanning based on mesocosm experiments, which can provide more rigid data than actual lake observations can. The model calculations showed good agreement with the observation data for both the non-filamentous blue-green algae dominant case and the filamentous blue-green algae dominant case. Using this model, we calculated the long-term stability of the effects of biomanipulations in a hypothetical lake. The calculation results clarified the blue-green algal species specificity in the long-term effects of biomanipulations. In the non-filamentous blue-green algal dominant case, the long-term stable suppression of algal growth was predicted under a certain threshold fish biomass, while in the filamentous blue-green algal dominant case, the suppression was not sustainable even in a no-fish-coexisting series. Model simulation is very important to the design of biomanipulations, and the model proposed in this study is suitable for this purpose.

A preliminary checklist of the phytoplankton of New Calabar River, Lower Niger Delta

As part of the general study of the hydrobiology of the southeastern Nigerian deltaic waters, phytoplankton samples were collected (Jan.–August, 1981, to Dec., 1984 irregularly). Sixty-seven species were identified, thirty-nine of which were diatoms. The diatoms constituted the dominant taxa especially in the brackish zone while desmids, green algae and blue-green algal species occurred more commonly in the freshwater usptream zone.