Protoceratium Reticulatum Research Articles

Pentaplacodinium saltonense gen. et sp. nov. (Dinophyceae) and its relationship to the cyst-defined genus Operculodinium and yessotoxin-producing Protoceratium reticulatum

Strains of a dinoflagellate from the Salton Sea, previously identified as Protoceratium reticulatum and yessotoxin producing, have been reexamined morphologically and genetically and Pentaplacodinium saltonense n. gen. et sp. is erected to accommodate this species. Pentaplacodinium saltonense differs from Protoceratium reticulatum (Claparède et Lachmann 1859) Bütschli 1885 in the number of precingular plates (five vs. six), cingular displacement (two widths vs. one), and distinct cyst morphology. Incubation experiments (excystment and encystment) show that the resting cyst of Pentaplacodinium saltonense is morphologically most similar to the cyst-defined species Operculodinium israelianum (Rossignol, 1962) Wall (1967) and O. psilatum Wall (1967). Collections of comparative material from around the globe (including Protoceratium reticulatum and the genus Ceratocorys) and single cell PCR were used to clarify molecular phylogenies. Variable regions in the LSU (three new sequences), SSU (12 new sequences) and intergenic ITS 1–2 (14 new sequences) were obtained. These show that Pentaplacodinium saltonense and Protoceratium reticulatum form two distinct clades. Pentaplacodinium saltonense forms a monophyletic clade with several unidentified strains from Malaysia. LSU and SSU rDNA sequences of three species of Ceratocorys (C. armata, C. gourreti, C. horrida) from the Mediterranean and several other unidentified strains from Malaysia form a well-supported sister clade. The unique phylogenetic position of an unidentified strain from Hawaii is also documented and requires further examination. In addition, based on the V9 SSU topology (bootstrap values >80%), specimens from Elands Bay (South Africa), originally described as Gonyaulax grindleyi by Reinecke (1967), cluster with Protoceratium reticulatum. The known range of Pentaplacodinium saltonense is tropical to subtropical, and its cyst is recorded as a fossil in upper Cenozoic sediments. Protoceratium reticulatum and Pentaplacodinium saltonense seem to inhabit different niches: motile stages of these dinoflagellates have not been found in the same plankton sample.

Dinoflagellate cyst abundance is positively correlated to sediment organic carbon in Sydney Harbour and Botany Bay, NSW, Australia.

There is growing public concern about the global expansion of harmful algal bloom species (HABs), with dinoflagellate microalgae comprising the major portion of the harmful taxa. These motile, unicellular organisms have a lifecycle involving sexual reproduction and resting cyst formation whereby cysts can germinate from sediments and 'seed' planktonic populations. Thus, investigation of dinoflagellate cyst (dinocyst) distribution in sediments can provide significant insights into HAB dynamics and contribute to indices of habitat quality. Species composition and abundance of dinocysts in relation to sediment characteristics were studied at 18 stations in two densely populated temperate Australian estuaries, Sydney Harbour (Parramatta River/Port Jackson; PS) and Botany Bay (including Georges River; GB). Eighteen dinocyst taxa were identified, dominated by Protoceratium reticulatum and Gonyaulax sp.1 in the PS estuary, together with Archaeperidinium minutum and Gonyaulax sp.1 in the GB estuary. Cysts of Alexandrium catenella, which is one of the causative species of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), were also detected in both estuaries. Out of the measured sediment characteristics (TOC, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni, Zn and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), TOC was the parameter explaining most of the variation in dinocyst assemblages and was positively correlated to most of the heavy metals. Given the significant relationship between sediment TOC and dinocyst abundance and heavy metal concentrations, this study suggests that sediment TOC could be broadly used in risk management for potential development of algal blooms and sediment contamination in these estuaries.

Seasonal variability of Protoceratium reticulatum and yessotoxins in Japanese scallop Patinopecten yessoensis in northern Yellow Sea of China

This paper reports a toxic strain of Protoceratium reticulatum, its morphology, phylogeny, yessotoxins (YTXs) production and abundance in northern Yellow Sea of China from 2011 to 2015 was investigated. YTXs in hepatopancreas and edible parts of bottom sowing cultured Japanese scallop Patinopecten yessoensis in this sea area were determined weekly for 5 years. Other potential producers of YTXs, Gonyaulax spinifera and Lingulodinium polyedrum, were also investigated. Results revealed that Protoceratium reticulatum strain from the northern Yellow Sea belongs to a geographically widely distributed species. Motile cells of Protoceratium reticulatum contribute to YTXs in Japanese scallop, and G. spinifera may also be a potential contributor. Resting cysts of Protoceratium reticulatum, G. spinifera, and L. polyedrum in sediments were possibly important origins of YTXs in scallop cultured at sea bottom. YTXs in scallop decreased from 2011 to 2015, most toxins were concentrated in hepatopancreas, while a small portion in edible parts which was safe for consumption the whole year around.

The life history of the toxic marine dinoflagellate Protoceratium reticulatum (Gonyaulacales) in culture

Asexual and sexual life cycle events were studied in cultures of the toxic marine dinoflagellate Protoceratium reticulatum. Asexual division by desmoschisis was characterized morphologically and changes in DNA content were analyzed by flow cytometry. The results indicated that haploid cells with a C DNA content occurred only during the light period whereas a shift from a C to a 2C DNA content (indicative of S phase) took place only during darkness. The sexual life cycle was documented by examining the mating type as well as the morphology of the sexual stages and nuclei. Gamete fusion resulted in a planozygote with two longitudinal flagella, but longitudinally biflagellated cells arising from planozygote division were also observed, so one of the daughter cells retained two longitudinal flagella while the other daughter cell lacked them. Presumed planozygotes (identified by their longitudinally biflagellated form) followed two life-cycle routes: division and encystment (resting cyst formation). Both the division of longitudinally biflagellated cells and resting cyst formation are morphologically described herein. Resting cyst formation through sexual reproduction was observed in 6.1% of crosses and followed a complex heterothallic pattern. Clonal strains underwent sexuality (homothallism for planozygote formation and division) but without the production of resting cysts. Ornamental processes of resting cysts formed from the cyst wall under an outer balloon-shaped membrane and were fully developed in <1h. Obligatory dormancy period was of ∼4 months. Excystment resulted in a large, rounded, pigmented, longitudinally biflagellated but motionless, thecate germling that divided by desmoschisis. Like the planozygote, the first division of the germling yielded one longitudinally biflagellated daughter cell and another without longitudinal flagella. The longitudinal biflagellation state of both sexual stages and of the first division products of these cells is discussed.

Ship traffic and the introduction of diatoms and dinoflagellates via ballast water in the port of Annaba, Algeria

We present here the first study on the role of ship traffic in the introduction of potentially harmful and/or non-indigenous species in the port of Annaba (Algeria). A total of 25 ships of two different types (general cargo and bulk carriers) were sampled and separated into two categories: oceanic and Mediterranean ships. We estimated propagule pressure of high-risk coastal phytoplankton delivered in ballast water to the port of Annaba. We identified 40 diatom and 38 dinoflagellate taxa, among which, 11 harmful/toxic taxa: Pseudo-nitzschia spp., Alexandrium tamarense, Alexandrium sp., Dinophysis acuminata, Dinophysis rotundata, Dinophysis sp., Gonyaulax spinifera, Gymnodinium catenatum, Lingulodinium polyedrum, Protoceratium reticulatum and cyst of Alexandrium sp. In addition, 8 taxa (5 diatoms, 1 dinoflagellate and 2 dinoflagellate cysts) never observed in the Annaba region were considered as potentially non-indigenous: Actinoptychus splendens, Coscinodiscus asteromphalus, Coscinodiscus lineatus, Odentella granulata, Thalassiosira cf. decipiens, Prorocentrum scutellum, cyst of Polykrikos kofoidii and Islandinium minutum. Several factors were examined, including ship routes, ballast water age and the volume of ballast water discharged. Our analyses revealed that diatom and dinoflagellate abundances decreased with ballast water age, possibly as a result of mortality of species due to voyage length and lack of light in ballast tanks. Estimates of actual propagule pressure, diatoms and dinoflagellates abundances varied from 1 to 4×108 cells/ship. The results of this study could serve as the baseline for the development and implementation of monitoring and ballast water management programs in ports of Algeria.

Do the levels of industrial pollutants influence the distribution and abundance of dinoflagellate cysts in the recently-deposited sediment of a Mediterranean coastal ecosystem?

We studied the relationships between sediment industrial pollutants concentrations, sediment characteristics and the dinoflagellate cyst abundance within a coastal lagoon by investigating a total of 55 sampling stations within the Bizerte lagoon, a highly anthropized Mediterranean ecosystem. The sediment of Bizerte lagoon is characterized by a high dinocyst abundance, reaching a maximum value of 2742cysts·g−1 of dry sediment. The investigated cyst diversity was characterized by the presence of 22 dominant dinocyst morphotypes belonging to 11 genera. Two dinoflagellate species dominated the assemblage: Alexandrium pseudogonyaulax and Protoperidinium claudicans, representing 29 to 89% and 5 to 38% of the total cyst abundance, respectively, depending on the station. Seven morphotypes belonging to potentially toxic species were detected, including Alexandrium minutum, A. pseudogonyaulax, Alexandrium catenella/tamarense species complex, Lingulodinium polyedrum, Gonyaulax cf. spinifera complex, Prorocentrum micans and Protoceratium reticulatum. Pearson correlation values showed a positive correlation (α=0.05) between cyst abundance and both water content and fine silt sediment content. Clustering revealed that the highest abundance of cysts corresponds to stations presenting the higher amounts of heavy metals. The simultaneous autoregressive model (SAM) highlighted a significant correlation (α=0.05) between cyst accumulation and two main factors: sediment water content and sediment content for several heavy metals, including Hg, Cd, Cu, Ni and Cr. These results suggest that the degree of heavy metal pollution could influence cyst accumulation patterns.

温度和营养盐限制对网状原角藻生长与产毒的影响

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 温度和营养盐限制对网状原角藻生长与产毒的影响 DOI: 10.5846/stxb201605200974 作者: 作者单位: 国家海洋局第一海洋研究所 青岛,国家海洋局第一海洋研究所 青岛,国家海洋局第一海洋研究所 青岛,国家海洋局第一海洋研究所 青岛,国家海洋局东海预报中心 上海,国家海洋局第一海洋研究所 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家自然科学基金（41206161）；海洋公益性行业科研专项经费项目（201305010）；国家海洋局第一海洋研究所基本科研业务专项资金项目（2012T08， GY2013G28）；国家基金委-山东省联合基金项目"海洋生态与环境科学"（U1406403）；青岛市创业创新领军人才项目计划（13-CX-28） Effects of temperature and nutrient limitation on growth and yessotoxin production of Protoceratium reticulatum Author: Affiliation: First Institute of Oceanography, SOA,,,,, Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:网状原角藻（Protoceratium reticulatum）是能够形成有毒赤潮的海洋甲藻之一，所产毒素为虾夷扇贝毒素（yessotoxins， YTXs），该藻在全球很多海域中普遍存在，其生长与产毒特征表现出较强的海域差异性。以分离自我国北黄海海域的网状原角藻为实验对象，研究了温度和营养盐（N、P）限制对该藻生长与产毒的影响。研究发现：温度和营养盐限制对藻细胞的生长和产毒均有影响，但营养盐限制影响更为显著。较低的温度更适宜P.reticulatum的生长，15℃时无营养盐限制的L1-Si培养基中藻细胞生长最好。营养盐限制尤其是P限制能够显著降低藻细胞的比生长速率和细胞密度（P < 0.01），缩短藻细胞指数生长期和稳定期的持续时间。所有温度下N、P限制均有利于藻细胞内毒素累积，15℃ P限制培养基中单个藻细胞中YTX毒素最高，达到92.6 pg/细胞，分别是相同培养温度下N限制和L1-Si中藻细胞毒素含量的3.8倍和7.1倍。温度变化对N和P限制下藻细胞毒素含量影响不同：在5-15℃范围内，随温度升高，N限制培养基中藻细胞YTX含量增幅逐渐下降，而P限制条件下反之。在所有培养条件下，滤液中毒素含量在稳定期后开始增多，与L1-Si相比，N、P限制不利于毒素的释放。高温能促进L1-Si培养基和N限制培养基中毒素的释放，但对P限制影响不显著。 Abstract:Protoceratium reticulatum,a marine dinoflagellate that produces yessotoxins (YTXs), is common in coastal waters worldwide and can form toxic algal blooms. There are marked differences in its growth and toxin-producing characteristics in different areas. This study investigated the effects of temperature and nutrient (N, P) limitation on the growth and toxin production of P. reticulatum recently isolated from the North Yellow Sea. The results showed that temperature and nutrient limitation affected growth and toxin production of the alga to different degrees, but nutrient limitation had a more significant influence. Lower temperatures were more suitable for the growth of P. reticulatum. Growth of algal cells in L1-Si medium without nutrient limitation was best at 15℃. P limitation greatly reduced the specific growth rate and cell density (P < 0.01), and shortened the duration of the exponential and stationary phases. N-limited cultures, in contrast, resulted in a growth rate and maximum cell density similar to those in L1-Si medium, but with a shorter stationary phase. At all temperatures, both N and P limitation were favorable for the accumulation of YTX in algal cells, which was particularly marked in the latter. The maximum YTX content of 92.6pg/cell was observed in 1/10P medium at 15℃ at the end of the stationary phase. This was approximately 3.8 times and 7.1 times that of the YTX in the N limited and L1-Si medium at the same culture temperature, respectively. Changes in temperature had different influences on the content of intracellular YTX in N-and P-limitation cultures. In the range of 5-15℃, temperature change had a negative effect on YTX increase under N limitation, whereas in P-limited medium, the effect was positive. In all culture conditions, the YTX concentration in the filtrate began to increase during the stationary phase. Compared with L1-Si, both N-and P-limited media were not conducive to the release of toxins. Higher temperature helpful to YTX release in the L1-Si and N-limited media, but it did not significantly affect that in the P-limited medium. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Variability and Biogeographical Distribution of Harmful Algal Blooms in Bays of High Productivity off Peruvian Coast (2012-2015)

Harmful Algal Blooms are increasing worldwide problems observed in inshore ecosystems, which support a growing anthropogenic activity that impacts on resources. Results of seasonal and interannual variability of toxic phytoplankton in four bays of the Peruvian sea (Sechura 04°S, Samanco 09°S, Miraflores 12°S and Paracas 14°S), are shown during spring and summer from 2012 to 2015. Toxic species such as Pseudo- nitzschia Grupo delicatissima, Grupo P. seriata, Alexandrium peruvianum, Dinophysis caudata, D. acuminata, Gonyaulax spinifera, Azadinium sp, Karlodinium sp., Karenia sp., Protoceratium reticulatum and Prorocentrum minimum were registered, associated with the presence of toxic events, more frequently of okadaic acid (lipophilic toxin - DSP) in Sechura and Samanco for 2012, 2013 and 2014 and saxitoxin (Paralytic Toxin - PSP) in Paracas 2012. Sea surface temperature for spring fluctuated between 16.3° to 19.9°C (Sechura-Paracas), and for the summer between 19.3° to 24.1°C (Paracas - Sechura). Physical dynamics were related with seasonal variations, associated to local effects, with slow surface marine currents during austral summer and intense currents during spring, with average values of <13.91 and 25.0 cm/s, respectively, associated with clockwise gyres that influenced the harmful algal blooms. Spearman correlations (p<0.05) between the biological and physicalchemical component were found mainly with temperature (r=0.665), silicates (r=0.45), phosphates (r=0.48) and nitrates (r=0.50).

Distinctly different behavioral responses of a copepod, Temora longicornis, to different strains of toxic dinoflagellates, Alexandrium spp.

Zooplankton responses to toxic algae are highly variable, even towards taxonomically closely related species or different strains of the same species. Here, the individual level feeding behavior of a copepod, Temora longicornis, was examined which offered 4 similarly sized strains of toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium spp. and a non-toxic control strain of the dinoflagellate Protoceratium reticulatum. The strains varied in their cellular toxin concentration and composition and in lytic activity. High-speed video observations revealed four distinctly different strain-specific feeding responses of the copepod during 4h incubations: (i) the ‘normal’ feeding behavior, in which the feeding appendages were beating almost constantly to produce a feeding current and most (90%) of the captured algae were ingested; (ii) the beating activity of the feeding appendages was reduced by ca. 80% during the initial 60min of exposure, after which very few algae were captured and ingested; (iii) capture and ingestion rates remained high, but ingested cells were regurgitated; and (iv) the copepod continued beating its appendages and captured cells at a high rate, but after 60min, most captured cells were rejected. The various prey aversion responses observed may have very different implications to the prey and their ability to form blooms: consumed but regurgitated cells are dead, captured but rejected cells survive and may give the prey a competitive advantage, while reduced feeding activity of the grazer may be equally beneficial to the prey and its competitors. These behaviors were not related to lytic activity or overall paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) content and composition and suggest that other cues are responsible for the responses.

Yessotoxin, a Marine Toxin, Exhibits Anti-Allergic and Anti-Tumoural Activities Inhibiting Melanoma Tumour Growth in a Preclinical Model.

Yessotoxins (YTXs) are a group of marine toxins produced by the dinoflagellates Protoceratium reticulatum, Lingulodinium polyedrum and Gonyaulax spinifera. They may have medical interest due to their potential role as anti-allergic but also anti-cancer compounds. However, their biological activities remain poorly characterized. Here, we show that the small molecular compound YTX causes a slight but significant reduction of the ability of mast cells to degranulate. Strikingly, further examination revealed that YTX had a marked and selective cytotoxicity for the RBL-2H3 mast cell line inducing apoptosis, while primary bone marrow derived mast cells were highly resistant. In addition, YTX exhibited strong cytotoxicity against the human B-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cell line MEC1 and the murine melanoma cell line B16F10. To analyse the potential role of YTX as an anti-cancer drug in vivo we used the well-established B16F10 melanoma preclinical mouse model. Our results demonstrate that a few local application of YTX around established tumours dramatically diminished tumour growth in the absence of any significant toxicity as determined by the absence of weight loss and haematological alterations. Our data support that YTX may have a minor role as an anti-allergic drug, but reveals an important potential for its use as an anti-cancer drug.

Dinoflagellate cysts production in the north-western Adriatic Sea

A sediment trap study was conducted in the Gulf of Venice, north-western Adriatic Sea, from April to December 2005 to assess relationships between planktonic dinoflagellates and cyst production. Every month, CTD profiles and discrete samplings for phytoplankton, nutrients and particulate matter were conducted. Cyst fluxes spanned from 90 to 127,600 cysts m-2 d-1 and major peaks were due to a small cyst attributed to cf. Biecheleria and to calcareous cysts of Scrippsiella trochoidea. A good correspondence between cyst fluxes in sediment traps and the presence of the corresponding vegetative cells in the water column was detected for Lingulodinium polyedrum, and species of the genera Spiniferites,Gonyaulax and Protoperidinium. A PCR method applied to surface sediment samples allowed the identification of a number of potentially harmful dinoflagellate cysts (Alexandrium minutum, A. tamutum, A. taylorii, Lingulodinium polyedrum and Protoceratium reticulatum).

The Production, Distribution and Fate of Yessotoxins, Taking the Northern Yellow Sea of China for Example

Yessotoxins(YTXs) is a phycotoxin produced by phytoplankton that has been reported as cardiotoxic and have been detected in microalgae and/or bivalve molluscs in many countries. Their presence in shellfish was discovered due to their high acute toxicity in mice after i.p. injection of lipophilic extracts. YTXs in sediment, seawater, plankton and shellfish in the northern Yellow Sea of China were investigated. The least YTXs level and the lowest detection rate occurred in sediment, while a maximum level of 24.6ng/L appeared in the plankton; the change trend in seawater was similar to that in plankton. YTXs in mussel and Chlamys farreri were all higher than it in oyster. The three dinoflagellates which can produce YTXs, Protoceratium reticulatum, Lingulodinium polyedrum and Gonyaulax spinifera, have been all found. The abundance change of toxic dinoflagellates was consistent with YTXs in plankton, seawater and shellfishes. P. reticulatum is one of the main microalgae which can produce YTXs in the northern Yellow Sea coast; this P. reticulatum have been separated from seawater, and its ecological features of production YTXs have been studied. The distribution of YTXs in particulate matters, seawater, and shellfishes has also been studied by the experiments of feeding trial to Patinopecten yessoensis, Chlamys farreri and mussel. The more YTXs would distribute in particles and seawater, while in shellfishes there was the smallest proportion, only 1% around. According to the results in this paper, the ecological functions of the northern Yellow Sea coast as aquiculture area was still good, but the potential ecological risk of YTXs cannot be ignored.

The relative availability of inorganic carbon and inorganic nitrogen influences the response of the dinoflagellate Protoceratium reticulatum to elevated CO2.

This work originates from three facts: (i) changes in CO2 availability influence metabolic processes in algal cells; (ii) Spatial and temporal variations of nitrogen availability cause repercussions on phytoplankton physiology; (iii) Growth and cell composition are dependent on the stoichiometry of nutritional resources. In this study, we assess whether the impact of rising pCO2 is influenced by N availability, through the impact that it would have on the C/N stoichiometry, in conditions of N sufficiency. Our experiments used the dinoflagellate Protoceratium reticulatum, which we cultured under three CO2 regimes (400, 1,000, and 5,000ppmv, pH of 8.1) and either variable (the NO3- concentration was always 2.5mmol·L-1 ) or constant (NO3- concentration varied to maintain the same Ci /NO3- ratio at all pCO2 ) Ci /NO3- ratio. Regardless of N availability, cells had higher specific growth rates, but lower cell dry weight and C and N quotas, at elevated CO2 . The carbohydrate pool size and the C/N was unaltered in all treatments. The lipid content only decreased at high pCO2 at constant Ci /NO3- ratio. In the variable Ci /NO3- conditions, the relative abundance of Rubisco (and other proteins) also changed; this did not occur at constant Ci /NO3- . Thus, the biomass quality of P.reticulatum for grazers was affected by the Ci /NO3- ratio in the environment and not only by the pCO2 , both with respect to the size of the main organic pools and the composition of the expressed proteome.

Toxic dinoflagellates and Vibrio spp. act independently in bivalve larvae

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) and marine pathogens – like Vibrio spp. – are increasingly common due to climate change. These stressors affect the growth, viability and development of bivalve larvae. Little is known, however, about the potential for interactions between these two concurrent stressors. While some mixed exposures have been performed with adult bivalves, no such work has been done with larvae which are generally more sensitive. This study examines whether dinoflagellates and bacteria may interactively affect the viability and immunological resilience of blue mussel Mytilus edulis larvae. Embryos were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations (100, 500, 2500 & 12,500 cells ml−1) of a dinoflagellate (Alexandrium minutum, Alexandrium ostenfeldii, Karenia mikimotoi, Protoceratium reticulatum, Prorocentrum cordatum, P. lima or P. micans), a known pathogen (Vibrio coralliilyticus/neptunius-like isolate or Vibrio splendidus; 105 CFU ml−1), or both. After five days of exposure, significant (p < 0.05) adverse effects on larval viability and larval development were found for all dinoflagellates (except P. cordatum) and V. splendidus. Yet, despite the individual effect of each stressor, no significant interactions were found between the pathogens and harmful algae. The larval viability and the phenoloxidase innate immune system responded independently to each stressor. This independence may be related to a differential timing of the effects of HABs and pathogens.

Combined Effects of Ocean Acidification and Light or Nitrogen Availabilities on 13C Fractionation in Marine Dinoflagellates.

Along with increasing oceanic CO2 concentrations, enhanced stratification constrains phytoplankton to shallower upper mixed layers with altered light regimes and nutrient concentrations. Here, we investigate the effects of elevated pCO2 in combination with light or nitrogen-limitation on 13C fractionation (εp) in four dinoflagellate species. We cultured Gonyaulax spinifera and Protoceratium reticulatum in dilute batches under low-light (‘LL’) and high-light (‘HL’) conditions, and grew Alexandrium fundyense and Scrippsiella trochoidea in nitrogen-limited continuous cultures (‘LN’) and nitrogen-replete batches (‘HN’). The observed CO2-dependency of εp remained unaffected by the availability of light for both G. spinifera and P. reticulatum, though at HL εp was consistently lower by about 2.7‰ over the tested CO2 range for P. reticulatum. This may reflect increased uptake of (13C-enriched) bicarbonate fueled by increased ATP production under HL conditions. The observed CO2-dependency of εp disappeared under LN conditions in both A. fundyense and S. trochoidea. The generally higher εp under LN may be associated with lower organic carbon production rates and/or higher ATP:NADPH ratios. CO2-dependent εp under non-limiting conditions has been observed in several dinoflagellate species, showing potential for a new CO2-proxy. Our results however demonstrate that light- and nitrogen-limitation also affect εp, thereby illustrating the need to carefully consider prevailing environmental conditions.

Latest Quaternary palaeoceanographic change in the eastern North Atlantic based upon a dinoflagellate cyst event ecostratigraphy

The analyses of dinoflagellate cyst records, from the latest Quaternary sediments recovered from DSDP Core 610A taken on the Feni Ridge in the southern Rockall Trough, and part of core MD01-2461 on the continental margin of the Porcupine Seabight in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean, has provided evidence for significant oceanographic change encompassing the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and part of the Holocene. This together with other published records has led to a regional evaluation of oceanographic change in the eastern North Atlantic over the past 68 ka, based upon a distinctive dinoflagellate event ecostratigraphy. These changes reflect changes in the surface waters of the North Atlantic Current (NAC), and perhaps the deeper thermohaline Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), driving fundamental regime changes within the phytoplanktonic communities. Three distinctive dinoflagellate cyst associations based upon both factor and cluster analyses have been recognised. Associations characterised by Bitectatodinium tepikiense (between 61.1 ± 6.2 to 13.4 ± 1.1 ka BP), Nematosphaeropsis labyrinthus (between 10.5 ± 0.3 and 11.45 ± 0.8 ka. BP), and the cyst of Protoceratium reticulatum (between 8.5 ± 0.9 and 5.2 ± 1.3 ka. BP) indicate major change within the eastern North Atlantic oceanography. The transitions between these changes occur over a relatively short time span (c.1.5 ka), given our sampling resolution, and have the potential to be incorporated into an event stratigraphy through the latest Quaternary as recommended by the INTIMATE (INTegrating Ice core, MArine and TErrestrial records) group. The inclusion of a dinoflagellate cyst event stratigraphy would highlight changes within the phytoplankton of the North Atlantic Ocean as a fully glacial world changed to our present interglacial.

CO2-dependent carbon isotope fractionation in dinoflagellates relates to their inorganic carbon fluxes

Carbon isotope fractionation (εp) between the inorganic carbon source and organic matter has been proposed to be a function of pCO2. To understand the CO2-dependency of εp and species-specific differences therein, inorganic carbon fluxes in the four dinoflagellate species Alexandrium fundyense, Scrippsiella trochoidea, Gonyaulax spinifera and Protoceratium reticulatum have been measured by means of membrane-inlet mass spectrometry. In-vivo assays were carried out at different CO2 concentrations, representing a range of pCO2 from 180 to 1200μatm. The relative bicarbonate contribution (i.e. the ratio of bicarbonate uptake to total inorganic carbon uptake) and leakage (i.e. the ratio of CO2 efflux to total inorganic carbon uptake) varied from 0.2 to 0.5 and 0.4 to 0.7, respectively, and differed significantly between species. These ratios were fed into a single-compartment model, and εp values were calculated and compared to carbon isotope fractionation measured under the same conditions. For all investigated species, modeled and measured εp values were comparable (A. fundyense, S. trochoidea, P. reticulatum) and/or showed similar trends with pCO2 (A. fundyense, G. spinifera, P. reticulatum). Offsets are attributed to biases in inorganic flux measurements, an overestimated fractionation factor for the CO2-fixing enzyme RubisCO, or the fact that intracellular inorganic carbon fluxes were not taken into account in the model. This study demonstrates that CO2-dependency in εp can largely be explained by the inorganic carbon fluxes of the individual dinoflagellates.

Growth and bioactive secondary metabolites of arctic Protoceratium reticulatum (Dinophyceae)

Harmful algal blooms are mainly caused by marine dinoflagellates and are known to produce potent toxins that may affect the ecosystem, human activities and health. Such events have increased in frequency and intensity worldwide in the past decades. Numerous processes involved in Global Change are amplified in the Arctic, but little is known about species specific responses of arctic dinoflagellates. The aim of this work was to perform an exhaustive morphological, phylogenetical and toxinological characterization of Greenland Protoceratium reticulatum and, in addition, to test the effect of temperature on growth and production of bioactive secondary metabolites. Seven clonal isolates, the first isolates of P. reticulatum available from arctic waters, were phylogenetically characterized by analysis of the LSU rDNA. Six isolates were further characterized morphologically and were shown to produce both yessotoxins (YTX) and lytic compounds, representing the first report of allelochemical activity in P. reticulatum. As shown for one of the isolates, growth was strongly affected by temperature with a maximum growth rate at 15°C, a significant but slow growth at 1°C, and cell death at 25°C, suggesting an adaptation of P. reticulatum to temperate waters. Temperature had no major effect on total YTX cell quota or lytic activity but both were affected by the growth phase with a significant increase at stationary phase. A comparison of six isolates at a fixed temperature of 10°C showed high intraspecific variability for all three physiological parameters tested. Growth rate varied from 0.06 to 0.19d−1, and total YTX concentration ranged from 0.3 to 15.0pg YTXcell−1 and from 0.5 to 31.0pgYTXcell−1 at exponential and stationary phase, respectively. All six isolates performed lytic activity; however, for two isolates lytic activity was only detectable at higher cell densities in stationary phase.

Dinoflagellate resting cysts in recent marine sediments from the Gulf of Gemlik (Marmara Sea, Turkey) and seasonal harmful algal blooms

:Thirty-four dinoflagellate cyst taxa were found in surface sediment (0–2 cm) at five stations (60–100-m water depth) in the Gulf of Gemlik, Marmara Sea, during four seasons from August 2011 to May 2012. Lingulodinium machaerophorum, Operculodinium centrocarpum and Selenopemphix quanta dominated cyst assemblages in the polluted gulf, where nutrient-rich surface water was stratified during most seasons and bottom water was hypoxic. Twelve cyst taxa were incubated and produced motile cells that reproduced and survived 14–15 days. Highest cyst species number (33) occurred in summer; maximum number of cysts (living and empty) per cm3 wet sediment was in spring, with the annual range from 1520 (fall) to 108,000 (spring). Nine taxa (Brigantedinium simplex, L. machaerophorum, O. centrocarpum, S. quanta, Spiniferites mirabilis, Spiniferites ramosus, cysts of Alexandrium sp., Scrippsiella trifida and S. trochoidea) were found in all seasons at all stations. The harmful dinoflagellates L. machaerophorum and cysts of S. trochoidea and Alexandrium sp. were the most abundant species. The cyst of the toxic species, Cochlodinium sp., is reported for the first time from Turkey. Other HAB species included A. tamarense, Protoceratium reticulatum, Heterocapsa triquetra and Gymnodinium catenatum/nolleri. Relative abundance of potentially toxic dinoflagellates (74%–92% of total cysts cm−3) was always higher than nontoxic species, and percentage abundance of cysts cm−3 produced by autotrophs (19/34 total species) almost always exceeded those of heterotrophs. Although distributions of the resting cyst taxa were significantly influenced by surface temperature, dissolved oxygen and total water depth, surface salinity was the strongest predictor for cyst occurrences.

Environmental change in the Western Iberia Upwelling Ecosystem since the preindustrial period revealed by dinoflagellate cyst records

We present the first multi-site study of dinoflagellate cyst records spanning ca. AD 1860–2000 from the west Iberian coast. Our aim was to reconstruct environmental changes in the Western Iberia Upwelling Ecosystem, one of the most biologically productive areas in the world, and an active fishery region. A major shift in cyst assemblages was recorded off the northwestern shelf sector between 1920 and 1950 towards autotrophic dominance, and consisted of a multi-fold increase in total cyst concentrations and cysts of Lingulodinium polyedrum, accompanied by an increase in Protoceratium reticulatum cysts. The observed changes pre-date the industrialization of agriculture in Portugal, and are concomitant with a shift in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) towards negative indices (higher river input) and increasing sea-surface temperatures. The southernmost record, with reduced river- and human influence, showed only minor changes during the 20th century. Here, an increase in Protoperidinioid cysts after the 1980s is related to upwelling intensification. Our study indicates that the main changes recorded in the Western Iberian Upwelling system during the 20th century were driven by regional climate variability (warming, increased water stability and nutrient availability), possibly enhanced by anthropogenic nutrient input from the second half of the century. Our results highlight the complexity of the environmental drivers that may act upon dinoflagellate communities within the same region. The 20th-century environmental change in the Western Iberian Ecosystem has resulted in a shift towards marked autotrophic dominance of dinoflagellate cyst communities, and the northward expansion of species associated with Harmful Algal Blooms.