Calcareous Seaweeds Research Articles

Calcareous seaweed in the diet of growing Japanese quail

Abstract In this way, the present study assessed the replacement of inorganic calcium sources by organic sources in the diet of growing Japanese quails. The study analyzed 300 Japanese quails distributed in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments (control, 0% inclusion; 0.50% inclusion of calcareous seaweed 1; 0.50% inclusion of calcareous seaweed 2, with both inclusions concerning the replacement of calcitic limestone in the diet). Calcium sources did not differ in terms of either the production performance of birds in the growth phase or at the beginning of laying or in terms of yield, weight, organ size or bone quality. The biochemical blood profile did not change, except for the AST index. The replacement treatment affected egg quality, colorimetric fan color, albumen and yolk height, Haugh unit, and the yolk index. Including 0.50% calcareous seaweed as a replacement for calcitic limestone in the diet of quail does not harm production performance, animal health, organ yield, or bone quality in the growth phase. This diet guarantees satisfactory performance and high-quality eggs in the early laying phase.

Alga marinha calcária na dieta de poedeiras semipesadas nas fases de recria e pré-postura

Abstract Calcareous seaweed (Lithothamnium calcareum) is a source of organic minerals and has been used as an alternative food in poultry nutrition. The objective is to evaluate the levels of calcareous algae in the diet of chickens during the rearing and pre-laying phases, as also on the performance and thermoregulation variables. One hundred and forty-four semi-heavy Hisex Brown hens, aged 12 to 18 weeks, were used in the rearing and pre-laying stages. They were fed with four levels of calcareous algae (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%), which were used in place of the calcitic limestone. Six replications and six birds were used per experimental unit, distributed in a completely randomized design. Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion, body weight, viability, and thermoregulation through cloacal temperature (°C), mean body temperature (°C), and mean skin temperature (°C) were evaluated. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the thermoregulation of the birds. There was a difference (P < 0.05) in the feed intake during the pre-laying phase, however, the other parameters showed no difference (P > 0.05). The inclusion of up to 30% calcareous algae in the diet of semi-heavy laying hens in the rearing and pre-laying phases did not affect the performance or thermoregulation of the birds. Therefore, it is possible to substitute calcitic limestone with up to 30% of the calcareous algae in the diet of semi-heavy laying hens.

Lithothamnion sp. como bioestimulante no cultivo de plantas

ABSTRACT One of the various seaweed species with biostimulating properties is Lithothamnion sp., a calcareous seaweed recognized for its nutritional attributes. This review article aimed to gather information on Lithothamnion sp. and its applications in agricultural cultivation, focusing on identifying and analyzing its biostimulant effects. The practical use of this biostimulant in farming has been confirmed by studies highlighting its efficiency, which varies according to the source material (deposit and particle fraction), application methodology (dosage, methods and frequency) and specific crop (genotype and development stages). Lithothamnion sp. is notable for promoting vegetative growth and has established itself as an invaluable biostimulant in producing seedlings of various species. Its application, either via soil or by foliar methods, has led to improvements in the yield and quality of vegetables, fruits, oilseed crops, grains and forage plants. Although the underlying mechanisms need further investigation, the results suggest that Lithothamnion sp. contributes to amplifying photosynthesis, water-use efficiency and phytoalexin production.

Calcareous seaweed flour in the diet of Japanese quails and its effects on egg conservation

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of including levels of calcareous seaweed flour in replacement for calcite limestone on the diet under egg conservation at different storage periods. 140 Japanese quails were used in a completely randomized experiment consisting of a 4x4 factorial design. The factorial design was four inclusions of calcareous seaweed (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) and four storage periods (zero, seven, 14, and 21 days) with ten replications of three eggs each. The egg quality variables were evaluated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using Tukey test and polynomial regression at a 5% significance level. There was no interaction effect between the factor's storage time and inclusion of calcareous seaweed (p>0.05). There was an increasing linear effect on shell weight and thickness in relation to inclusion levels of calcareous seaweed. There was an individual effect of egg storage time (p>0.05) on egg weight, yolk color, albumen and yolk height, yolk weight and percentage, albumen, yolk index, yolk diameter, specific gravity, and Haugh unit. The inclusion of up to 30% of calcareous seaweed in replacement for calcite limestone in the diet of Japanese quails improves the weight and thickness of eggshells but does not influence the conservation of the eggs up to 21 days of storage.

Mineral content, heavy metals and amino acid profiles of Halimeda opuntia seaweed from several waters in Indonesia

Halimeda opuntia is a type of calcareous seaweed which is including in the Chlorophyta division. In Indonesia, this type of seaweed is available abundantly, but the market value and the benefits are still very low. This research aims to study the characteristics of H. opuntia seaweed especially to assess the mineral content, heavy metals, and amino acid profiles from several waters in Indonesia. Sampling was carried out in four waters locations in Indonesia, namely the Binuangeun waters, Banten; South Lampung; East Lombok, NTB; and South Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi. Mineral analysis showed that H. opuntia contained K minerals (16.50 - 92.40 mg/100g), Ca (18.60 - 24.37 g/100g), Mg (35.20 - 510.50 mg/100g) ), Fe (30.34 - 470.00 mg/kg), Zn (2.13 - 5.43 mg/kg), Mn (3.60 - 23.45 mg/kg), and P (90.40 - 142.00 mg/kg). Heavy metals analysis showed that Lead (Pb) content in H. opuntia seaweed from four water locations was still low <0.04 mg/kg so that Cadmium (Cd) <0.05 mg/kg. Based on the analysis of amino acids, there were 12 amino acids detected, namely Alanine, Glycine, Valine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Proline, Aspartic Acid, Phenylalanine, Glutamine, Lysine, and Tyrosine. Based on mineral content, heavy metals and amino acid profiles, the direction of utilization of this type of seaweed is pharmaceutical ingredients, fertilizers, and feed.

Coralline Algae in a Changing Mediterranean Sea: How Can We Predict Their Future, if We Do Not Know Their Present?

In this review we assess the state of knowledge for the coralline algae of the Mediterranean Sea, a group of calcareous seaweeds imperfectly known and considered highly vulnerable to long-term climate change. Corallines have occurred in the Mediterranean area for approximately 140 My and are well represented in the subsequent fossil record; for some species currently common the fossil documentation dates back to the Oligocene, with a major role in the sedimentary record of some areas. Some Mediterranean corallines are key ecosystem engineers that produce or consolidate biogenic habitats (e.g., coralligenous concretions, Lithophyllum byssoides rims, rims of articulated corallines, maerl/rhodolith beds). Although bioconstructions built by corallines exist virtually in every sea, in the Mediterranean they reach a particularly high spatial and bathymetric extent (coralligenous concretions alone are estimated to exceed 2,700 km2 in surface). Overall, composition, dynamics and responses to human disturbances of coralline-dominated communities have been well studied; except for a few species, however, the biology of Mediterranean corallines is poorly known. In terms of diversity, 60 species of corallines are currently reported from the Mediterranean. This number, however, is based on morphological assessments and recent studies incorporating molecular data suggest that the correct estimate is probably much higher. The responses of Mediterranean corallines to climate change have been the subject of several recent studies that documented their tolerance/sensitivity to elevated temperatures and pCO2. These investigations have focused on a few species and should be extended to a wider taxonomic set. Phylogeography, genomics, transcriptomics, and associated microbiomes are fields in which the information for Mediterranean corallines is very limited. We suggest that future work on Mediterranean corallines should be based on a multidisciplinary perspective combining different approaches, and that it should consist of large-scale efforts by scientists based both in western and eastern Mediterranean areas.

Application of ALOS AVNIR-2 for the detection of seaweed and seagrass beds on the northeast of Brazil

ABSTRACTSeaweed and seagrass beds play a multiplicity of functions within ecosystems, and have both ecological and economical value. However, anthropogenic activities, as well as climate change have contributed on the degradation. This study used data from Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Advanced Visible and Near Infrared Radiometer Type 2 (AVNIR-2) orbital images to detect seaweeds and seagrasses. Qualitative and quantitative samples were used to validate the images, classified using the kappa coefficient (κ). The supervised classifications performed by the algorithms fuzzy logic – Fuzclass, maximum likelihood – Maxlike, minimum distance to means – Mindist, parallelepiped – Piped, showed an accuracy level of 0.93, 0.84, 0.83 (both excellent), and 0.62 (substantial), respectively. The results of the hard classifiers (Maxlike, Mindist, and Piped) submitted a new classification based on fuzzy logic (Fuzclass) demonstrated accuracy level of 0.74, 0.61 (both substantial), and 0.50 (moderate), respectively. Considered superior to the others, the Fuzclass classifier exhibited the best tendency in representing reef bottom–type distribution. Maxlike generated a map of seaweed and seagrass spatial distribution and abundance of the Maracajaú reef, identifying seven classes: (1) dense seaweeds; (2) sand; (3) dense seagrasses; (4) sparse seagrasses; (5) calcareous seaweeds; (6) sparse seaweeds; and (7) fine sand. The map of Maracajaú reef bottom type showed that it was possible to apply image processing and digital classification methodologies to distinguish submerged organisms, revealing information to help in planning and management of these ecosystems, enabling future monitoring.

Chemical composition and fatty acid profile of meat from heifers finished on pasture supplemented with feed additives

AbstractFood additives were used to improve meat characteristics of Brangus heifers supplemented on pasture daily (0.32% LW). The treatments were: supplement (with no additives); calcareous seaweed flour (Lithothamnium calcareum) added to the supplement; vitamin E and organic selenium added to the supplement; protected fat added to the supplement; a subcutaneous application of vitamin D seven days before slaughter + supplement; and the association of vitamin E, organic selenium and protected fat added to the supplement + one subcutaneous dose of vitamin D seven days before slaughter. The animals were supplemented by 109.80±11,71 days and were slaughtered when they reached approximately 337.95±20,56kg of LW. The experimental design was completely randomized with six treatments and 25 repetitions. TheLongissimus dorsi muscle’s chemical composition did not differ between treatments (P&gt;0.05). The use of seaweed flour, vitamin D, protected fat and the association of additives has the potential to improve the concentration of some unsaturated fatty acids in the Brangus heifers’ meat (P˂0.05), but without improving the level of unsaturated fatty acids class. We conclude that the use of additives in heifers finished in the pasture/supplement system has no effect on the meat quality, but only, isolated outcomes, on the content of some fatty acids.

Effects of a submarine eruption on the performance of two brown seaweeds

World oceans are becoming more acidic as a consequence of CO2 anthropogenic emissions, with multiple physiological and ecological implications. So far, our understanding is mainly limited to some species through in vitro experimentation. In this study, we took advantage of a recent submarine eruption (from October 2011 to March 2012) at ~1 nautical mile offshore El Hierro Island (Canary Islands, central east Atlantic) to determine whether altered physical–chemical conditions, mainly sudden natural ocean acidification, affected the morphology, photosynthesis (in situ Chl-a fluorescence) and physiological performance (photo-protective mechanisms and oxidative stress) of the conspicuous brown seaweeds Padina pavonica—a species with carbonate deposition – and Lobophora variegata—a species without carbonate on thallus surfaces – , both with similar morphology. Seaweeds were sampled twice: November 2011 (eruptive phase with a pH drop of ca. 1.22 units relative to standard conditions) and March 2012 (post-eruptive phase with a pH of ca. 8.23), on two intertidal locations adjacent to the eruption and at a control location. P. pavonica showed decalcification and loss of photo-protective compounds and antioxidant activity at locations affected by the eruption, behaving as a sun-adapted species during lowered pH conditions. At the same time, L. variegata suffered a decrease in photo-protective compounds and antioxidant activity during the volcanic event, but its photosynthetic performance remained unaltered. These results reinforce the idea that calcareous seaweeds, as a whole, are more sensitive than non-calcareous seaweeds to alter their performance under scenarios of reduced pH.

Toxic dinoflagellates (Dinophyceae) from Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Dinoflagellate species isolated from the green calcareous seaweed, Halimeda sp. J.V. Lamouroux, growing in Rarotongan lagoons, included Gambierdiscus australes Faust & Chinain, Coolia monotis Meunier, Amphidinium carterae Hulburth, Prorocentrum lima (Ehrenberg) Dodge, P. cf. maculosum Faust and species in the genus Ostreopsis Schmidt. Isolates were identified to species level by scanning electron microscopy and/or DNA sequence analysis. Culture extracts of G. australes isolate CAWD149 gave a response of 0.04 pg P-CTX-1 equiv. per cell by an N2A cytotoxicity assay (equivalent to ca 0.4 pg CTX-3C cell −1). However, ciguatoxins were not detected by LC-MS/MS. Partitioned fractions of the cell extracts potentially containing maitotoxin were found to be very toxic to mice after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. A. carterae was also of interest as extracts of mass cultures caused respiratory paralysis in mice at high doses, both by i.p. injection and by oral administration. The Rarotongan isolate fell into a different clade to New Zealand A. carterae isolates, based on DNA sequence analysis, and also had a different toxin profile. As A. carterae co-occurred with G. australes, it may contribute to human poisonings attributed to CTX and warrants further investigation. A crude extract of C. monotis was of low toxicity to mice by i.p. injection, and an extract of Ostreopsis sp. was negative in the palytoxin haemolysis neutralisation assay.

Utilização da farinha de algas calcáreas na alimentação animal

O cálcio é um elemento essencial, tendo função básica na formação dos ossos e dentes, e em diversos processos fisiológicos. Na alimentação animal são utilizadas diversas fontes de cálcio, dentre elas o cálcio proveniente das algas marinhas calcáreas. Sabe-se que as algas calcáreas retém elevado índice de elementos minerais do meio marinho, além de apreciável quantidade de substancias nutritivas. O Lithothamnium calcareum pertence ao grupo das algas vermelhas ou rodofíceas, da família das Coralineacea, é uma alga de aspecto calcário, pois absorve o carbonato de cálcio e magnésio.

Decapod crustacean communities from calcareous seaweed andPosidonia oceanica(rhizome stratum) in shallow waters

Abstract Quantitative decapod studies carried out on calcareous seaweeds and Posidonia oceanica beds (mainly rhizome stratum), from shallow coastal waters of Almería (S, SE Spain), revealed that these biotopes represent part of the habitat of the same decapod crustacean community. A gradual transition from the decapod community in Posidonia to those in calcareous concretions is shown. This transition appears to depend on the relative developments of, and the interrelations between, both biotopes, as well as on the influence of a number of extrinsic factors such as the presence of crevices, photophilic seaweeds and sedimentation. However, when these two biotopes are well developed and independent they could be recognized by their differing quantitative species compositions, that is by the high dominance of a small number of and different species.

The Effects of a Calcareous Seaweed Product on Earthworms in Grassland Soil

ABSTRACT A granular, calcareous seaweed soil product, “Mermin”, was applied to an established grass sward at rates of 317 and 633 kg ha−1 annually for four years from October 1983 and compared with hydrated lime at the same rates and an untreated control. Soil pH rose in response to both lime and “Mermin” treatments and “Mermin” significantly increased magnesium and phosphorus levels in the soil. Earthworms were sampled on five separate occasions from March 1984 to March 1987. There was no evidence of a substantial effect of either lime or “Mermin” on worm numbers or biomass. Silage cut in May 1987 indicated that the four years of treatment had had a similarly slight effect on herbage yields. There appears to be no evidence supporting claims that “Mermin” causes increases in earthworm numbers.

Strontium-85 bioaccumulation by Sargassum spp. (brown seaweed) and Galaxaura marginata (calcareous seaweed)

The interaction of Sr-85 with seaweed species abundant in the vicinity of the Angra Nuclear Power Plant, Brazil, was studied in closed-system aquaria. Strontium-85 was added as the chloride and its accumulation and loss were observed. Live seaweed thalli were kept in the light or dark at salinities of 24 and 34. Strontium-85 in seaweed and seawater samples was measured by single channel γ-spectrometry. Strontium-85 uptake by Sargassum was rapid, reaching equilibrium in ∼ 3 days. Bioaccumulation factors (BFs) were in the range 23–80 (fresh weight). Strontium-85 loss followed two-component, exponential decay with biological half-lives (TB) of 1 and 80 h. Light or salinity had no effect on Sr-85 accumulation, suggesting that strontium uptake by Sargassum is determined solely by the affinity of Sr for its alginates. In contrast, Sr uptake by G. marginata was slow and equilibrium was not reached after 10 days. BFs were in the range 3–29 and loss was slow (TB = 24 days). G. marginata does not discriminate between Sr and Ca, and as a result of the influence of light on calcification, BFs under light were significantly ( p < 0.05) higher than in the dark, and also higher at 24 because of lower ionic strength. The behaviour of Sr in G. marginata suggests that this species is a useful long-term integrator of Sr-89/90 in local seawater. Sargassum is a useful indicator of short-term variations in Sr concentrations.

A port that could threaten marine life in England's Fal Estuary

The Fal Estuary, with its eelgrass meadows, its reef of red calcareous seaweeds and its mix of southern and northern species of marine life, contains a Voluntary Marine Reserve. As its name implies, such designation does not give it any legal protection. It is listed in The IUCN Invertebrate Red Data Book as a threatened community and is in immediate danger from a proposal to build a container port on the opposite shore.

Réflexions sur les rapports entre l'écologie et la paléoécologie marines

From a paleoecological point of view, it is very difficult to recognize marine pelagic biocoenoses or communities in comparison with benthic ones; but paleoecological work is much more difficult than research of “actual-marine ecologists” due to the lack of fossilizing species, allochtons species mixed with the species really living in the ancient biotope, etc. To achieve a sound knowledge of a fossil stocking, microbenthos is generally insufficient. Paleoecologists must be well aware of the ecological and ethological characteristics of the most important groups of marine invertebrates. For instance, the discrimination between suspension-feeding fossils (pelecypods: Cardiidae, Veneridae, Mactridae, etc.; ophiuroids: Gorgonocephalidae, Ophiothrix, Amphiuridae; crinoids) and detritus-feeding fossils (pelecypods: Tellinidae, Scrobicularidae, etc.; ophiuroids: Ophiuridae, etc.), combined with the characteristics of the deposit, may give interesting information on abiotic factors which were dominant when the animal community was living. Paleoecologists must also have a sufficient knowledge of the marine benthic biocoenoses and communities, especially of the neritic ones which are most diversified because of the great differences in environment, i.e., temperature, salinity, sea-water motions and nature of substratum. It is often possible to find, in the Quaternary and Cenozoic, homologies between present biocoenoses and some ancient ones because the percentage of still living families and genera is rather important for both these periods; it is, however, much more difficult in the Mesozoic and Paleozoic, except where the stocking is particularized by one strongly dominant environmental factor, for instance, brackish waters, or by a prevailing group such as reef corals. A few examples of the uncertainty of paleoecological reconstitution of the coral reeds are given, namely calcareous seaweeds of different biotopes, building and epibiontic corals and the degree of stenohalinity of corals. Also, it is apparently very difficult to come to a conclusion with regard to the depth of a fossil biocoenose. Finally, one must emphasize the efficiency of a mixed working group comprising, on the same research, paleoecologists and ecologists, who will certainly benefit by this collaboration.

On the Importance of Halimeda as a Reef-Forming Organism: with a Description of the Halimeda -Limestones of the New Hebrides

I. Occurrence and Conditions of Growth of Living Halimeda The importance of Halimeda as a reef-forming agent has, until of late years, been greatly overlooked. Many of the earlier records of the occurrence of calcareous seaweeds on coral-reefs were alluded to in a comprehensive manner, as Nullipores and Lithothamnion ; and, although Halimeda was not mentioned, the above terms, convenient but often vague, undoubtedly included growths of that genus. Prof. A. Agassiz has already recorded the fact that ‘immense masses of Nullipores ( Udotea and Halimeda ) . . . grow on the shallowest flats’ of the Florida reefs. With regard to the habitat of Halimeda in the Laccadives, the following interesting note on H. opuntia , Lamx. forma typica , by Mr. J. Stanley Gardiner, has been published in a paper by Miss E. S. Barton (Mrs. Gepp):— ‘Rare everywhere on the Minikoi reef; but small masses may be found by searching under stones or in protected situations of the inner part of the reef, near the beach or boulder-zone. In lagoon, not found in currents, but very luxuriant in moderately-still water where it can find any stones to fix itself upon.’ From the dredging operations of Messrs. David, Halligan, &amp; Finckh around the atoll of Funafuti we learn that Halimeda is found in the outer slope of the atoll, from a foot or so below sea-level down to about 45 fathoms. In the dredgings across the lagoon at Funafuti the variety macropus occurred in all the samples, excepting No. 1 (half a mile