Periphyton Algae Research Articles

Physical-Biotic Structure in an AquaticTerrestrial Convergence Area in the San Francisco Marsh of the Ayapel Swamp System, Córdoba, Colombia

This research analyzed the effect of border vegetation and pastures on the physical-biotic structure in a border sector of an aquatic-terrestrial convergence area, of the San Francisco Marsh of the Ayapel Swamp System (ASS), through organism groups, such as aquatic and terrestrial vegetation, aquatic macroinvertebrates and periphyton. In general, during the first phase of the flood pulse, a greater abundance of aquatic vegetation and periphyton algae was found (18 genera were determined in the forest and 16 in the pasture). Additionally, three families of aquatic macroinvertebrates were found in each study area. Good quality water was also found in the forest area, while moderately polluted water was found in the pasture. In the second phase of the flood pulse, the nutrients increased, the aquatic vegetation and periphyton algae densities decreased (seven genera were found in the forest and eight in the pasture), whereas the aquatic macroinvertebrates density increased, identifying six families in the forest and four in the pasture. Finally, both study areas had moderately polluted water. It is important to conserve and recover the native vegetation because it allows the presence of periphyton organisms, and aquatic macroinvertebrates, thereby making possible inorganic carbon fixation, nutrients recycling and organic matter availability. These contribute to the fish recovery, which is a fundamental economic resource in Ayapel and the surrounding areas.

Ecosystem health evaluation of urban rivers based on multitrophic aquatic organisms

The ecosystem health evaluation method of urban rivers is significantly different from natural rivers, because of intensive human interferences and ecological restoration measures. Biotic integrity index (IBI) provides a method to quantify the response of aquatic organisms to environmental stress. Multi-trophic aquatic organisms may exhibit different responses and sensitivities to stress factors, which affects the reliability of the IBIs. This study proposed a hypothesis that the biota with the higher trophic level (whose habitat was not completely destroyed) or that of the biota with the shorter life cycle would be more sensitive in urban rivers. To prove the above hypothesis, the ecosystem health status of urban rivers was evaluated by the IBIs across multitrophic groups, including benthic invertebrates, zooplankton, phytoplankton, periphyton algae and microorganisms. The reliability of the IBIs was assessed by estimating their relationship with water quality index (WQI). The spatial distribution differences of the IBIs were distinguished by spatial autocorrelation analysis. The results showed that the IBI based on benthic invertebrates cannot mask the effects of dredging. Compared with the IBIs from other trophic groups, the correlation coefficients between the IBIs based on zooplankton and microorganisms and WQI were higher. Moreover, the evaluation results of Z (Zooplankton)-IBI and M (Microorganism)-IBI were able to discriminate the least, medium and highly impaired site groups divided by WQI. For the spatial response mode, Z-IBI and M-IBI could identify the high-value river sections under ecosystem restoration projects, and Z-IBI could also identify the low-value river sections under intensive human interferences. Therefore, Z-IBI and M-IBI could be recommended as the priority application in urban rivers. The constructed ecosystem health evaluation framework for urban rivers would play a guiding role in reducing impairments and restoring water ecosystem quality.

LONG-TERM DYNAMICS OF PERIPHYTON ALGAE PIGMENT CHARACTERISTICS OF THE AMURSKAYA CHANNEL OF THE AMUR RIVER (KHABAROVSK TERRITORY)

As a result of long-term studies of the content of photosynthetic pigments in periphyton algae in the Amurskaya channel of the Amur River during a period of high water level, it was found that chlorophylls predominate in the pigment fund, its basis is chlorophyll a (68 %). The interannual and seasonal dynamics of photosynthetic pigments has a cyclical nature, in which an increase in their content is observed in spring and autumn, after the passage of fl oods and the establishment of low water, and a decrease occurs in summer during fl oods. The trophic status of the channel according to the weighted average values of chlorophyll a concentration over the growing seasons is estimated as mesotrophic (second quality class, clean waters). The Amurskaya channel, previously classifi ed as a hypereutrophic watercourse, changed its status to eutrophic.

Ecological Effects of Benzyl Chloride on Different Korean Aquatic Indigenous Species Using an Artificial Stream Mesocosm Simulating a Chemical Spill.

In this study, an artificial stream mesocosm consisting of a head tank, faster-flowing riffle section, gravel section, pool section, lower-run section, and tail tank was installed to simulate a chemical spill in a river. The responses of freshwater periphyton algae, crustacea (Moina macrocopa), freshwater worm (Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri), benthic midge (Glyptotendipes tokunagai), and fish (Zacco platypus and Aphyocypris chinensis) were observed after exposure to benzyl chloride (classified as an accident preparedness substance, APS) at concentrations of 1, 2, and 4 µL/L for 22.5 h. Higher concentrations increased the inhibition (photosynthetic efficiency decrease) of periphyton algae and the mortality of M. macrocopa, whereas the reproduction of the female cladoceran decreased in the 4 µL/L treatment. Mortality of fish did not occur or was lower (≤20%) at all concentrations; however, toxic symptoms were observed for some time after chemical exposure termination and later, symptoms receded. G. tokunagai mortality increased at all concentrations except the control after seven days, and no significant toxic effects were observed in L. hoffmeisteri. The hazardous concentration of benzyl chloride was calculated as 94 µg/L. This study showed the different sensitivities of each species to benzyl chloride. The findings can assist in environmental risk assessment of APSs after chemical spills to protect Korean aquatic species.

Divergent effects of invasive macrophytes on population dynamics of a snail intermediate host of Schistosoma Mansoni

Vectors and intermediate hosts of globally impactful human parasites are sensitive to changes in the ecological communities in which they are embedded. Sites of endemic transmission of human schistosome can also be invaded by nonnative species, especially aquatic plants (macrophytes). We tested the effects on macrophyte invasions on experiment snail and schistosome populations created in 100 L mesocosm tanks. We established macrophyte-free mesocosms and those containing one of four widespread macrophyte species that are inedible to snails (duckweed, hornwort, water lettuce, or water hyacinth) and then tracked edible resources (periphyton algae) and the abundance, reproduction, and infection of snail intermediate hosts for 16 weeks. We predicted that the three floating macrophytes would reduce periphyton, thereby reducing snail reproduction, abundance, and infections. In contrast, we predicted that hornwort, which is submerged and provides substrate for periphyton growth, would increase snail reproduction and abundance. As predicted, all floating macrophytes decreased periphyton, but only water hyacinth significantly decreased snail reproduction and abundance. Snail abundance increased significantly only with water lettuce. We hypothesize that this unanticipated increase in snails occurred because water lettuce produced abundant and/or high quality detritus, subsidizing snails despite low periphyton availability. Unfortunately, we detected too few infections to analyze. Aquatic macrophytes exert strong species-specific effects on snail populations. Therefore, efforts to manage invasive plants in endemic sites should evaluate changes in resources, snails, and transmission potential. We recommend caution with management efforts that produce large amounts of detritus, which might stimulate snail populations and therefore risk of human exposure.

The Perifiton Alga Community in Masang Kecil River Receives Liquid Palm Oil Mill Waste in Kinali District, West Pasaman Regency

The study of the periphyton algae community in Masang Kecil River that received palm oil mill effluent in Kinali District, West Pasaman Regency was held from November 2017 to September 2018. This study aims to determine the composition and structure of periphyton communities in the Masang Kecil River in Kinali, West Pasaman. This study used purposive sampling method with a sampling location of 4 stations. Based on this study, 88 species of periphyton were classified as 3 classes i.e Bacillariophyceae (64 species), Chlorophyceae (15 species) and Cyanophyceae (9 species). The average density is 8.967 ind/ cm2. The highest relative density (KR) at stations 1,2 and 3 is Navicula lanceolata and station 4 is Fragilaria capucina. Species that are always found at each station (FK= 100%) are Fragilaria capucina, Navicula lanceolata and Synedra ulna. The diversity index in the Masang Kecil River is classified as medium (H’ = 2.87). Equitability index is evenly distributed (E= 0.64). Dominance index (C= 0.12) there is no dominant species. The similarity index is almost the same except between stations 1 and 3.

Struktur Komunitas Alga Perifiton Sungai dalam Gua Batu Asahan di Sumpur Kudus Kabupaten Sijunjung Sumatera Barat

The cave ecosystem has a unique environment because it receives minimal sunlight and does not even get sunlight at all. Dark conditions in the cave will affect producers such as periphyton algae that live in rivers in caves that need sunlight for photosynthesis. This study aims to determine the periphyton community structure in the river in the Batu Asahan Cave in Sumpur Kudus, Sijunjung District, West Sumatra. This research held in August 2016. The research was carried out by survey method at 3 stations: bright, dim and dark zones. The results showed that periphyton were found as many as 22 species classified as Bacillariophycea 13 species, Cyanophyceae 5 species, Chlorophyceae and Euglenophyceae each of 2 species. Based on the number of individuals Bascillariophyceae 67.0%, Cyanophyceae 24.49%, Chlorophyceae 4.79% and Euglenophyceae 3.72%. Population density in each zone was low, ranges from 1.26 - 2.82 ind / cm2. The dominant species vary in each zone which is the highest shown by Synedra ulna (Bacillariophyceae) and Oscillatoria tenuis (Cyanophyceae). Diversity index ranging from 2.11-2.47 is not significantly different between zones, indicating the quality of clean water. The equitability index was high (E = 0.88-0.96) show the populations in the community evenly. Similarity index between zones was low (C = 25 - 56%). Fisicochemical factors of water indicate the quality of clean water supports the life of periphyton algae in the river.

Structural and Quantitative Features of Phytoperiphyton Communities in Watercourses of the Zeya River Basin, Amur Oblast

The results of a study of periphyton algae in the Zeya River and nine watercourses of its drainage basin (Amur Oblast) are presented. The composition of dominant species is determined, the structural features of algal communities are considered, and quantitative characteristics of some of their components are obtained. The total abundance of phytoperiphyton in the Zeya River is 583 billion cells/m2; biomass is 102–1106 g/m2. In medium-sized watercourses, the total abundance of algae ranges from 16.2 to 100 billion cells/m2; biomass is from 2.0 to 18.3 g/m2. Most of the biomass is formed by diatoms (Encyonema silesiacum, Hannaea arcus, Ulnaria ulna, Gomphoneis olivaceum, and large-celled species of the genus Gomphonema); most of the abundance is formed by cyanobacteria and diatoms from the genera Achnanthes, Fragilaria, Gomphonema, and the species Encyonema minutum.

Linking Microbial Activities and Low-Molecular-Weight Thiols to Hg Methylation in Biofilms and Periphyton from High-Altitude Tropical Lakes in the Bolivian Altiplano.

The sources and factors controlling concentrations of monomethylmercury (MMHg) in aquatic ecosystems need to be better understood. Here, we investigated Hg transformations in sediments, periphyton associated with green algae's or aquatic plants, and benthic biofilms from the Lake Titicaca hydrosystem and compared them to the occurrence of active methylating microorganisms and extracellular Hg ligands. Intense Hg methylation was found in benthic biofilms and green algae's periphyton, while it remained low in sediments and aquatic plants' periphyton. Demethylation varied between compartments but remained overall in the same range. Hg methylation was mainly carried out by sulfate reducers, although methanogens also played a role. Its variability between compartments was first explained by the presence or absence of the hgcAB genes. Next, both benthic biofilm and green algae's periphyton exhibited a great diversity of extracellular low-molecular-weight (LMW) thiols (13 or 14 compounds) present at a range of a few nmol L-1 or μmol L-1 but clearly dominated by cysteine and 3-mercaptopropionic acid. Hg methylation was overall positively correlated to the total thiol concentrations, albeit to different extents according to the compartment and conditions. This work is the first examining the interplay between active methylating bacterial communities and extracellular ligands in heterotrophic biofilms and supports the involvement of LMW thiols in Hg methylation in real aquatic systems.

Pengaruh Organisme Perifiton dalam Memperbaiki Kualitas Air pada Lahan Basah Buatan Sistem Aliran Air Permukaan Bebas

Mekanisme utama penapisan kontaminan air pada lahan basah adalah aktivitas mikroorganisme. Salah satunya adalah perifiton yang hidup pada substrat terendam air. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan penelitian pengaruh perifiton dalam LBB, yang berperan dalam memperbaiki kualitas air. Tujuan penelitian adalah mengidentifikasi kualitas influen, komposisi alga perifiton, alga perifiton sebagai produsen primer, pengaruh faktor kecepatan aliran air permukaan, kualitas efluen, efektivitas dan efisiensi LBB. Penelitian LBB dilakukan pada bulan Januari 2017 di Bandung. Analisis kualitas air menggunakan SNI dan standar yang berlaku. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan air selokan sebagai influen LBB terkontaminasi air limbah domestik dan beberapa parameter melebihi kriteria kualitas kelas III. Ditemukan tiga kelas alga bentik perifiton (Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta). Perifiton berperan dalam transfer oksigen kekolom air. Faktor kecepatan air permukaan berkorelasi kuat terhadap penapisan nitrat (r = 0,84) dan sangat kuat terhadap total fosfat (r = 0,90). Kualitas efluen yang memenuhi kriteria kelas III hanyaparameter total fosfat dan COD. Efektivitas pengolahan untuk BOD sebesar 6,6% ? 38,3% dan COD 6,0% ? 38%. Efisiensi pengolahan pada debit 0,01 L/s untuk amonium 3,4%; nitrat 39,2%; nitrogen organik 47,1%; fosfat total 53,6%; BOD 38,3%; COD 38%; deterjen 76,5%.

Customized 3D-printed surface topography governs species attachment preferences in a fresh water periphyton community

Periphyton cultivation systems have few controls over species composition, thereby limiting their applications for production of biomass. A promising approach for controlling species composition in cultivation systems is through design of substratum characteristics. 3-D printing is used to design substratum topographic sections to test for selectivity of colonization of periphyton algae in streams. Experimental tiles were designed with six different topographic sections composed of tightly-packed hemispheres over a range of diameters from 100 to 2000μm. These tiles were deployed in a local stream for 30days, retrieved and analyzed for species occurrence and relative abundance on each of the tile sections. Twelve species of periphyton algae in four divisions were identified across all topographic sections. The distribution and relative abundance of these species were found to vary as a function of topographic feature size, with the greatest diversity observed on the surfaces with topographic feature sizes of 500μm. Of the twelve identified species, two exhibited abundance patterns that were significant. Microspora wileana displayed a preference for surfaces with topographic feature sizes <500μm, and Stigeoclonium tenue displayed a preference for surfaces with topographic feature sizes less than or equal to 100μm and greater than or equal to 1500μm. These results suggest that substratum design using 3D printing or other technologies may be useful to influence species composition and dominance relationships in mixed communities in engineered periphyton cultivation systems.

Longitudinal distribution of periphyton algae in the Moskva river under eutrophication

Variations of the species structure of periphyton algae community on submerged plants have been studied along the longitudinal profile of the Moskva R. with the use of multivariate statistical methods. The results of principal-coordinates analysis show the flow velocity and biogenic load to be the major factors governing the spatial variations of periphyton structure. Mantel test shows the difference in the species structure to be correlated more closely with local variations in the environmental factors than with the distance along river channel. Therefore, the spatial distribution of periphyton in the Moskva R. agrees better with the concept of patch dynamics than the concept of river continuum. Estimation of the indicator potential of three ecological guilds of diatoms (low profile, high profile, and motile) has shown a positive response of motile diatoms to an increase in the concentration of biogenic compounds. The effect of other factors, such as light intensity in macrophyte stands and the microdistribution of diatoms in periphyton layer, can disturb the relationship between biogenic substance concentrations and the abundance of low profile and high profile diatoms.

Ficoperifíton asociado a macrófitas en la ciénaga Cerro de San Antonio, Magdalena-Colombia

El estudio de algas del perifiton en humedales tropicales, permite interpretar la dinámica de estos ecosistemas con importancia ecológica y con vocación para ofrecer diferentes servicios a la población humana. El propósito de este trabajo fue determinar la estructura del ensamble ficoperifítico y evaluar su agremiación o preferencia de sustrato (macrófitas), en una ciénaga tropical. Se registraron 48 especies, los grupos de clorófitas y diatomeas, fueron dominantes. El ensamble algal mostró baja variación en cuanto a los índices comunitarios (diversidad, dominancia, riqueza), sin embargo se hallaron diferencias en las abundancias del ficoperifiton de cada una de las macrófitas evaluadas. También se encontraron diferencias en cuanto a la selectividad de sustrato de algunas especies tales como Closterium kuetzingii (Brébisson), Cocconeis placentula (Ehrenberg) y Hantzschia sp. (Ehrenberg), las cuales solo estuvieron presentes en las raíces de Eichhornia crassipes, a su vez Coelastrum sphaericum (Nägeli) solo se encontró en raíces de Pistia stratiotes. Se da el primer registro de la especie Ankistrodesmus fusiformis (Corda), para las ciénagas del departamento del Magdalena.

Dynamics of algal production and ephemeropteran grazing of periphyton in a tropical stream

We estimated the net primary productivity of periphyton algae and rate of macroinvertebrate grazing in a third-order stream in coastal Atlantic forest, Brazil. Net primary productivity was estimated from the growth curve of periphyton chlorophyll, based on the relationship between algal density and algal production, with baetid ephemeropteran grazers excluded by highintensity electric shocks. We fit a logistic model and cite the maximum productivity 44.7mgCm � 2 d � 1 . We manipulated grazing pressure by excluding the shrimp Macrobrachium olfersi by low-intensity electrical exclusion—the shrimp was known to have a negative effect on ephemeropteran grazing and to cause a trophic cascade on periphyton. Thus, rate of grazing was estimated at the normal level of grazing and with grazing enhanced by the exclusion of shrimps. Normal level of grazing reduced periphyton algal stock (6mg chlorophyll m � 2 ) by slightly less than 50%, enhanced grazing by slightly more than 50%. This implied that grazing removed algae at approximately the maximum net productivity—that is 19%d � 1 and24%d � 1 ofalgalstockinnormalandenhancedgrazingrespectively,equivalentto 44.1mgC m � 2 d � 1 in both cases. The observed net primary productivity obtained by direct measurementmatchesthatexpectedfrompredictiveequationsbasedonchlorophylllevels,but isatthelowerpartoftherangeobservedinworldwideandtropicalsurveys.Itmatchesresultsof recentstudiesinthetropicswhichusedopen-channeldielchangesinoxygentocalculategross primary productivity. The method appears reliable and is potentially applicable to situations in which other methods are constrained by low productivity and other technical difficulties.

Comprehensive assessment of river-water quality in Primorskii krai, Russian Federation, with respect to chemical characteristics and composition of periphyton algae

Data on the water chemical composition and species composition of periphyton algae have been analyzed in 25 rivers under different rates of anthropogenic impact in Primorskii krai, Russia. It is shown that chemical oxygen demand and the content of ammonium compounds of dissolved nitrogen are the most definite indicators of total anthropogenic impact. In the Razdol’naya River, which as the greatest anthropogenic eutrophication, it may be also indicated by organic compounds of dissolved phosphorus and nitrates. The number and biomass of periphyton algae varies considerably even within similar water streams. The alga species composition and the saprobity index calculated on its basis are more stable. The saprobity index is characterized by less spatial variability when compared to the chemical composition of river water. Nevertheless, there is a correlation between the saprobity index and the content of ammonium nitrogen, as well as between the saprobity index trend within the last 20 years and input of contaminants into the Razdol’naya River.

Periphyton Responses to non-point Pollution in Eutrophic-Humic Environments: An Experimental Study

We proposed to use artificial channels in laboratory assays to expose periphyton to substances released in rural environments in order to test the following hypotheses 1) a high concentration of humic substances decreases the biofilm biomass and alters its metabolism; 2) periphyton biomass and metabolism increase in response to nutrient addition in spite of the previous high nutrient concentration; 3) periphyton response to nutrient addition is smaller in the presence of humic acids. Nutrient loading associated with non- point pollution often occurs both during and after signiucant precipitation events. Humic acids also increase their levels after rain. This may limit the availability of light and thus, the development of the autotrophic community. However, the influence of these pollutants on periphyton in eutrophic environments may be either modest or too difficult to detect using traditional endpoints. We found that in short exposures: 1) humic substances do not decrease the biomass of periphyton nor alter its metabolism; 2) periphyton biomass and metabolism increase in response to the addition of fertilizer but not to the addition of a single nutrient; 3) periphyton response to nutrient addition is smaller in the presence of humic acids. These finding have implications for river ecosystems as they suggest that changes produced by nutrient inputs into the eutrophic stream could be fast and clearly affect periphyton algae and other related organisms such as grazers and decomposers. In addition, the presence of humic acids decreases these responses.

4. Periphyton community structure

The results of investigation of Lake Drūksiai periphyton community are presented. Periphyton community parameters, such as periphyton abundance on its dominant substrate (common reed Phragmites communis) and a ratio of mineral and organic components, were estimated. The percentage of algal biomass in the community was calculated on the basis of chlorophyll content. The structure of periphyton algal communities: percentage of different divisions of algae in phytoperiphyton and dominant species of algae, was investigated. The species diversity of periphyton algae was estimated by widely used indices: Shannon’s diversity index, Simpson’s concentration index, Pielou’s evenness index, and Pantle–Buck saprobity index.

Phytoperiphyton of the Samarga River basin (Primorskii Krai)

In the periphyton of the Samarga River basin, 313 species of algae (337, including infraspecific taxa) from eight divisions have been found. The groups of algae from the river main flow, creeks, streams, and the mouth are described. Data on the density and biomass of periphyton algae are presented. A decrease in these parameters after a flood is shown. In algal flora composition, benthic oligohalobic species of algae, preferring a slightly alkaline environment, dominate. At the river mouth a significant amount of mesohalobic species has been observed. A sanitary and biological evaluation of water quality has shown that the mass development of xenoand oligosaprobic algae defines the excellent quality of the river water. All parts of the main flow correspond to the oligosaprobic purification zone, class II of water purity (saprobic index of 0.95–1.48). The good quality of the Samarga River water is ensured by the absence of pollution sources and the satisfactory condition of its catchment area forests.

Colonization of periphyton algae in a temperate floodplain lake under a fluctuating spring hydrological regime

Colonization of periphyton algae in a temperate floodplain lake under a fluctuating spring hydrological regime

Thermophilous Communities of Periphyton Algae in the Cooling Ponds of Thermal and Nuclear Power Stations of Ukraine

Thermophilous Communities of Periphyton Algae in the Cooling Ponds of Thermal and Nuclear Power Stations of Ukraine