Seaweed Research Articles

Effect of biozyme (R) on soil and crop biometrics in rice-wheat system

Summary A registered product biozyme is extracted from a Norwegian Sea weed known as Ascophyllum nodosum. It is biodegradable and non-toxic for the plant and soil health as claimed by Biostadt company. Beside biozyme, several other zymes are also available in the market with some prefixes in the name. They claim, the zyme is toxin free, eco-friendly, bio degradable product containing growth hormones, elements, minerals and vitamins. Highly compatible with fertilizers and pesticides, it also increases the resistance of plants against various pests, diseases and climatic stress. These zymes are available in solid and liquid form and are being used as either top dressing or spraying on the crop canopy at important crop growth stages. As per some earlier studies, biozyme have claimed to have beneficial in crop growth both in vegetative part as well as in grain production. Keeping in view of its importance a field trial was formulated and being conducted in research farm of Bihar Agricultural University Bhagalpur (Bihar) to see the impact of Biozyme on the yield and soil microbes.

Sources of sediment carbon sequestered in restored seagrass meadows

Seagrass meadows accumulate carbon in sediments as a result of in situ production and sedimentation of particulate organic matter (OM). We quantified the contribution of OM sources to the sediment carbon pool in restored seagrass meadows of different ages (unvegetated and 4 and 10 yr since restoration) in the Virginia coastal bays. Using carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stable isotopes, we estimated the contribution of seagrass (Zostera marina), benthic diatoms and sestonic particles (BD/S), and macroalgae (MA) to the sediment OM pool influenced by restoration (top 10 cm) with a Bayesian mixing model. Marsh grass was not a likely source based on C:N ratios of the sediment OM. The 4 and 10 yr seagrass meadows had similar OM source contributions to the top 10 cm of sediment, which were distinct from those of unvegetated sites. Seagrass, BD/S, and MA contributed 41, 56, and 3%, respectively, in the 10 yr age treatments and 50, 46, and 4%, respectively, in the 4 yr age treatments. Diagenesis of OM sources had little impact on the source contribution estimates. In combination with carbon accumulation rates at these sites (37 g C m −2 yr −1 ), these results indicate that 10 yr after seeding, restored seagrass meadows accumulated sea- grass carbon at a rate of 14.3 g C m −2 yr −1 and non-seagrass carbon (BD/S and MA) at a rate of 22.4 g C m −2 yr −1 . This study demonstrates how seagrass restoration contributes to the sequestra- tion of 'blue carbon' and quantifies the impact restored seagrass meadow age has on stored sedi- ment carbon.

Simulation of offshore aquaculture system for macro algae (seaweed) oceanic farming

ABSTRACTLarge-scale cultivation of seaweed has become one of the most important aquaculture activities in Malaysia which may help increase farmers’ incomes as well as seaweed itself can be processed into many beneficial end products. The present location of seaweed farming selected by farmers is situated close proximity to the coastline which is between 100 and 200 m from the seashore. The unfavourable condition of sea during rough sea with high wave and high speed of current is always a problem to the farmers since this environmental condition destroys their seaweed planting lines. To avoid the above problem, especially in monsoon prone area, a thorough analysis needs to be done in order to prevent environmental load from destroying seaweed platform on its mooring line when subjected to greater stress. The main objective of this study is to perform a simulation study which will allow analysis of the best mooring system for multi-body floating seaweed farm, together with understanding of the reliability and effectiveness of the system. This paper presents the design of seaweed platform model with mooring assessment in order to obtain a comprehensive and reliable seaweed mooring platform with the aid of mooring simulation software and model tests.

Micronutrients (Zn/Mn), seaweed extracts, and plant growth-promoting bacteria as cold-stress protectants in maize

Low soil temperature in spring is a major constraint for cultivation of tropical crops in temperate climates, associated with impaired seedling development, inhibition of root growth and root activity. In this study, potential cold-stress protectants, such as supplemented micronutrients (Zn, Mn), seaweed extracts, and rhizobacteria with plant growth-promoting potential (PGPRs) were tested in order to improve the tolerance of maize to low root zone temperatures (RZT) during early growth. Maize (v. Colisee) was cultivated in a root cooling system for adjustment of the RZT. In three independent experiments, after germination at 20 °C, the cold-stress phase (12–14 °C) started at 14 days after sowing to simulate a cold period in spring. Micronutrients, seaweed extracts, and PGPRs were supplied by fertigation (experiment 1), fertigation and seed dressing (experiment 2), and nutrient seed priming (experiment 3). At the end of the experiments, scoring of oxidative leaf damage, biomass production, chlorophyll status (SPAD), root length density, superoxide dismutase activities in leaf and root tissues, and the shoot mineral-nutritional status were determined. Positive effects on plant growth and particularly on root development at low RZT were detected exclusively for seaweed extracts with high Zn/Mn contents and similar growth promotions were induced by Zn and Mn application in comparable amounts. This finding suggests that the selected seaweed extracts were mainly acting via improved Zn and Mn supply to the plants. It was essential that the cold-stress protectants were present during seed imbibition. The beneficial effect of Zn/Mn treatments and sea weed extracts was associated with increased superoxide dismutase activity in the root and leaf tissue, with key functions in antioxidative stress defense, depending on Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe as enzymatic co-factors. Accordingly, leaf damage, shoot and root growth inhibition in cold-stressed plants was associated with a low Zn-nutritional status, mitigated by application of the cold-stress protectants. Since micronutrients are effective already at low concentrations, starter applications of Zn/Mn or the respective seaweed extracts may offer an economic option for cold-stress prophylaxis in crops.

Printing hearts from seaweed

Printing hearts from seaweed

In vitro antifungal activity of Turbinaria conoides collected from Mandapam coast, Tamilnadu, India

ABSTRACT Marine macroalgae have been used as medicines or drug sources for a great many years, stretching back to the era of folk medicines. Algae have been extensively used in the traditional medicines of maritime nations for treatment of goitre, cancer, hypertension, cough and other diseases. The present work was carried out to find out the antifungal activity of the seaweed Turbinaria conoides collected from Mandapam coastal regions of Tamilnadu. The extracts were tested against Candida albicans , Candida parapsilopsis , Fusarium sp, Aspergillus flavus , Asergillus fumigatus . The hexane, chloroform and ethanolic extracts showed a well profound inhibitory activity against Candida albicans and Candida parapsilopsis. No inhibitory activity was found at Fusarium sp , Aspergillus flavus , Asergillus fumigates under chloroform and ethanolic extracts. Key words: Medicine, antifungal, cancer, Candida albicans, diseases.

Qualitative and quantitative determination of R-phycoerythrin from Halymenia floresia (Clemente) C. Agardh by polyacrylamide gel using electrophoretic elution technique

R-Phycoerythrin is one of the phycobiliproteins widely found in seaweeds. In this study, we have shown to extract and purify R-Phycoerythrin from the south east cost Indian red seaweed Halymenia floresia. R-Phycoerythrin was extracted in 50mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). The preparative native PAGE purification was employed alternative to the chromatography and therefore can be scaled up efficiently. Both the yield and the purity of R-Phycoerythrin are very effective. The purified R-Phycoerythrin showed a single band on the examination by native PAGE electrophrosis. SDS-PAGE analysis showed five bands at 16kDa, 21kDa, 30kDa, 39kDa and 47kDa which corresponds to the α, β and γ’, γ and αβ subunits. This preparative method for R-Phycoerythrin purification can offer a reference for R-Phycoerythrin purification from other marine red macro algae.

Chemical composition of selected seaweeds from the Indian Ocean, KwaZulu-Natal coast, South Africa

ABSTRACTThe chemical composition of three edible seaweeds (Codium capitatum, Hypnea spicifera and Sargassum elegans) and two inedible seaweeds (Halimeda cuneata and Spyridia hypnoides) from the Indian Ocean along the KwaZulu-Natal East Coast, South Africa were investigated as a function of seasonal variation. The proximate compositions of the edible seaweeds were determined. In edible seaweeds, the moisture level ranged from 85.4 to 89.5%, protein from 6.1 to 11.8%, lipids from 7.5 to 13.1% and carbohydrates from 37.8 to 71.9%. Elemental concentrations in the five studied seaweeds varied significantly with season (P < 0.05) with mean elemental concentrations (in µg g−1, dry weight) being: Ca (29 260), Mg (6 279), Fe (1 086), Cu (145.9), Mn (48.32), As (24.29), Zn (15.65), Ni (9.83), Cr (5.78), Pb (4.84), Co (0.87) and Se (0.86). The concentrations of As were particularly high in S. elegans, ranging from 94.70 ± 6.6 µg g−1 in winter to 65.10 ± 2.3 µg g−1 in summer. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed similar distribution of elements in edible seaweeds which was dissimilar to that in inedible seaweeds. This study suggests that edible macro alga, C. capitatum and H. spicifera, could be potential sources of most essential nutrients and may contribute positively to the diet without posing the risk of adverse health effects due to low concentrations of toxic elements. However, due to high levels of As in S. elegans, its consumption should be moderated to reduce dietary exposure to this toxic element.

Seaweed makes super-tough biomaterial

Seaweed makes super-tough biomaterial

Sample Preparation of the Macro Alga Pyropia yezoensis for the Determination of Messenger RNA

ABSTRACTFew nutrients that limit the growth of photoautotrophs in marine environments have been identified. Observing phytoplankton growth after nutrient addition is an effective but time-consuming way of identifying key nutrients. One possible and potentially more efficient approach is to characterize the nutrients that photoautotrophs preferentially absorb. Quantification of transcript levels is suitable for this purpose and may be performed by reverse transcription followed by the polymerase chain reaction. However, since this analysis cannot be performed on-site, a suitable sample preparation method was developed using the marine macroalga Pyropia yezoensis. This study showed that specimen transport, even at temperatures below 10°C, may cause changes in transcript abundance. This was especially true for transcripts associated with the metabolism of macronutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. To prevent transport-induced changes in transcript levels and erroneous conclusions, on-site freezing of specimens is recommended when sampling.

Impact of foliar application of seaweed saps on yield, nodulation and nutritional quality in green gram (&lt;italic&gt;Vigna radiata&lt;/italic&gt; L)

Seaweeds are marine macro algae, which form an important component of the marine living resources of the world. To evaluate the efficiency of seaweed (&lt;italic&gt;Kappaphycus&lt;/italic&gt; and &lt;italic&gt;Gracilaria&lt;/italic&gt;) saps on growth, yield and nutrition of &lt;italic&gt;Vigna radiata&lt;/italic&gt;, an experiment was conducted during &lt;italic&gt;spring&lt;/italic&gt; 2012 under field conditions. The ten treatments comprised two seaweed saps (K-sap &amp; G-sap), four concentrations of each sap (2.5, 5, 10 and 15%), 7.5% of K-sap + 50% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizers) and control. The highest grain yield of 557 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; was harnessed due to two foliar applications of 10% K-sap + RDF. Increase in yield due to K-sap ranged between 29.32 to 33.81% while due to G-sap it was 25.74 to 26.15%. Foliar application of K-sap influenced the number and dry weight of root nodules at flowering. Application of seaweed saps also enhanced quality of grains in terms of protein, P and K content.

Seaweed Supplementation Attenuates Long‐term High Fat Diet‐induced Chronic Inflammation and Insulin Resistance Regardless of Obesity in C57BL/6N Mice

Antidiabetic and anti‐inflammatory effects of brown seaweeds have been reported in various experimental models, however information is scarce on their effects combined with a long‐term high fat diet. In this present study, we investigated that effects and mechanisms of seaweed supplementation (Undaria pinnatifida (UP), Laminaria japonica (LJ), Sargassum fulvellum (SF), Hizikia fusiforme (HF)) along with high‐fat (HF) diet in C57BL/6N male mice for 16 weeks. Body weight, food intake, and fasting blood glucose concentrations were measured. Insulin tolerance test was performed at week 14. Animals were sacrificed at week 16 and tissues were dissected, weighted, and snap frozen for analysis. Bone‐marrow (BM) cells were isolated from femoral and tibial BM of a representative mouse from each group. As a result, 5% seaweed supplementation did not prevent HF‐induced obesity. Although there was a trend to have less weight gain in HF+LJ and HF+HF groups compared to HF group at week 8, this trend disappeared as HF continued. In spite of being obese, mice in HF+LJ group had significantly improved insulin resistance, lowered cholesterol in plasma and liver, and increased TG in feces compared to mice in HF group that were consistent with histological observations. In addition, BM‐derived macrophages(BMDM) from mice fed HF with seaweeds showed to have less inflammatory cytokines compared to BMDM from mice fed HF only. Increased phosphorylation of insulin signaling proteins was observed in liver of the seaweed supplemented HF groups compared to the HF group. In addition, levels of TG and cholesterol excretion were altered by seaweed supplementation. Conclusively, seaweed supplementation attenuated insulin resistance and chronic inflammation induced by a long‐term HF feeding partially due to altered insulin signaling and lipogenesis in liver and muscle as well as reduced inflammation in adipose tissue regardless of obesity in C57BL/6N mice.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by NRF‐2013R1A1A10575730.

EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FUCOIDAN FROM SIX BROWN MACROALGAE

The content and composition of fucoidan in six brown macroalgae were investigated. The influence of different washing steps and two types of extraction methods on the yield and composition of fucoidan were assessed. The composition of the extract was determined by using a colorimetric method to measure the total sugar, sulfate, and protein contents of the fucoidan. The monosaccharide composition was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The structures of the algal polysaccharide were studied using Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy. The fucoidan content extracted using method I was 13.13% (of dry weight), 24.00%, and 22.67% from Sargassum glaucescens, Sargassum horneri, and Laminaria japonica, respectively. By contrast, the fucoidan content extracted using method II was 4.20%, 4.80%, and 4.64% from S. glaucescens, S. horneri, and L. japonica, respectively. The samples extracted using method II were lower in total sugar content but higher in sulfated content than those extracted using method I. Using method II yielded the highest fucose content in S. glaucescens (20.89%) and Hizikia fusiformis (15.89%). The proportion of H. fusiformis was lower than that of S. glaucescens because the biomass of the H. fusiformis was much larger in the wild. Therefore, we consider H. fusiformis to be a rich source of fucoidan for human consumption.

Evaluation of antifungal activity of seaweed extract (Turbinaria conoides) against Fusarium oxysporum

The purpose of the study was to determine the anti fungal activity of seaweed (Turbinaria conoides) extract against root rot pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. Seaweed extract was prepared from the species T. conoides collected from Rameswaram coastal area of Tamil Nadu during December was used for this study. Different concentrations of the extract viz., 5 %, 10 %, 15 % and 20 % was evaluated for their antifungal activity against F. oxysporum using poisoned food technique along with control and carbendazim (0.2 %) as check. No mycelial growth (0 cm) was observed in 15 % and 20 % sea weed extract weed extract treated plates even after 6 days ofincubation. Though the visible inhibition of mycelial growth was noticed in all the concentrations, the increased concentration of 15 and 20 % had shown 100 % inhibition. So, the lower concentration of 15 % can be best in controlling the F. oxysporum fungi. GC-MS analysis of seaweed extract showing the presence of several antimicrobial compounds in seaweeds may be the reason for such inhibition.

DENSITY AND DIVERSITY OF SEAWEED IN WEDA BAY WATERS, NORTH MOLLUCAS PROVINCE

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The study on seaweed density and diversity in many substrates was conducted in Weda Bay waters, North Mollucas in 2013. The objectives of this research was to determine the density and diversity of seaweed in many different substrates and to determine the relationship of substrate types and seaweed density and diversity in Weda Bay waters. Data were collected using quadrate transect method and collections. The result showed that the coastal area of Batlol, Weda Bay contained higher density and diversity of macroalgae than other locations with 35 species of 24 families consisting of 14 species of red macroalgae, 12 species of green algae, and 9 species of brown algae. The dominan families of macroalgae were &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;Gracilaria&lt;/span&gt;, &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;Acanthophora&lt;/span&gt;, &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;Caulerpa&lt;/span&gt;, &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;Halimeda&lt;/span&gt;, &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;Sargassum&lt;/span&gt;, and &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;Turbinaria&lt;/span&gt;. The dominant difference of macroalgae in each location was caused by differences in habitat type, e.q., habitat in Batlol consisted of fragments of dead coral, sand, little living coral with vegetation seaweed that dominated by &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;Thalasia&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;hemprizii&lt;/span&gt; and &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;Symodacea&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span style="text-decoration: underline;"&gt;rotundata&lt;/span&gt;. While habitat conditions at other locations experienced severe damage that dominated by chunks of dead coral, dead coral rubble, and sand. Environmental conditions in study regions were considered to be in a good condition to support macro-algae growth.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Keywords:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt; seaweed, macro algae, substrate, density, diversity, Weda Bay&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

DENSITY AND DIVERSITY OF SEAWEED IN WEDA BAY WATERS, NORTH MOLLUCAS PROVINCE

The study on seaweed density and diversity in many substrates was conducted in Weda Bay waters, North Mollucas in 2013. The objectives of this research was to determine the density and diversity of seaweed in many different substrates and to determine the relationship of substrate types and seaweed density and diversity in Weda Bay waters. Data were collected using quadrate transect method and collections. The result showed that the coastal area of Batlol, Weda Bay contained higher density and diversity of macroalgae than other locations with 35 species of 24 families consisting of 14 species of red macroalgae, 12 species of green algae, and 9 species of brown algae. The dominan families of macroalgae were Gracilaria, Acanthophora, Caulerpa, Halimeda, Sargassum, and Turbinaria. The dominant difference of macroalgae in each location was caused by differences in habitat type, e.q., habitat in Batlol consisted of fragments of dead coral, sand, little living coral with vegetation seaweed that dominated by Thalasia hemprizii and Symodacea rotundata. While habitat conditions at other locations experienced severe damage that dominated by chunks of dead coral, dead coral rubble, and sand. Environmental conditions in study regions were considered to be in a good condition to support macro-algae growth.Keywords: seaweed, macro algae, substrate, density, diversity, Weda Bay

Seaweed Biofuel Derived from Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture

Seaweed Biofuel Derived from Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture

Improving the accuracy of Multispectral-based benthic habitats mapping using image rotations: the application of Principle Component Analysis and Independent Component Analysis

The low number of water penetration bands in multispectral images limits the maximum descriptive resolution and the accuracy of the resulting benthic habitats maps, especially at higher levels of benthic habitats scheme complexities. This research aimed at improving the accuracy of benthic habitats mapping by exploiting the spectral performance of multispectral images using image rotation techniques, which is very beneficial for fast, accurate, and repeatable mapping. Kemujan Island as part of the Karimunjawa archipelago in Indonesia is selected as the study area. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and Independent Component Analysis (ICA) were applied on Worldview-2 prior to image classification. The inputs for PCA and ICA are deglint bands and water column-corrected bands. Field benthic data collected from photo-transect technique were used to train the rotated datasets in the classification process and to assess the accuracy of the resulting benthic habitat maps. Three levels of benthic habitats classification schemes were constructed based on the variation of benthic habitats insitu, which covers the variations of coral reefs, seagrass, macro algae, and bare substratum. The results show that the application of image rotations on Worldview-2 improves the overall accuracy of benthic habitats mapping and become more effective as the classification scheme complexities increase. In the absence of water column correction, PCA and ICA become the best option to assist benthic habitats mapping.

Proliferation of macro alga &lt;i&gt;Chaetomorpha linum&lt;/i&gt; in shallow coral reef areas of Shingle Island, Gulf of Mannar, Southeastern India

In May 2015, during summer, macro alga Chaetomorpha linum was seen entangled in high density on coral colonies at northern part of the Shingle Island (09°14’607”N 078°13’863”E) in Gulf of Mannar, Southeastern India. Underwater assessment revealed that C. linum bloom has proliferated on coral colonies of Acropora and non-acropora species. Filaments of C. linum formed larger mats and got entangled with coral colonies reducing light making hypoxia. The inter tidal zone of northern part of the Shingle Island has rich coral cover with about 23.5% at 0.5 to 3.0 meter depth (Patterson et al., 2007). Live coral cover decreased from 23.5% to 18.5% due to the sudden proliferation of C. linum. Maximum coral mortality was observed in branching corals such as Montipora divaricata, Acropora cytherea and Pocillopora damicornis. Other coral species under stress were Acropora intermedia, A. muricata, Montipora foliosa, Echinopora lamellosa, Porites solida and Favia pallida (Fig. 1 A to D).The present observation can be useful for further investigations regarding the spreading rate, algal biomass, nutrient level, and status of associated biodiversity from the bloom affected reef area.

Effects of Partial Replacement of Fishmeal with Seaweed (&lt;i&gt;Lobophora variegata&lt;/i&gt;) Meal on the Growth and Biochemical Composition of Commercial Important Fish Asian Seabass&lt;i&gt; Lates calcarifer&lt;/i&gt; (Bloch, 1790) Fingerlings

Seaweeds are large algae (macro algae) that grow in a brackishwater or marine environment. They are a valuable food source and contain significant quantities of proteins, lipids, vitamins and minerals. Algae meals are alternative plant feedstuffs that are increasingly being used in aqua feeds because of their nutritional quality, lower cost and availability. This study is an attempt made on the effects of replacing fish meal with the brown seaweed ( Lobophora variegata ) on the growth and biochemical composition (protein, lipids, carbohydrates) of Asian seabass Lates calcarifer fingerlings. Investigations on the biochemical constituents and nutritive profile of the formulated feeds showed that seaweeds could be the better replacement for fish meal in pelleted feeds. The seaweeds used in our study did not seem to affect the palatability of the diet for this carnivorous fish. Therefore, reducing fishmeal inclusion levels and replacing fishmeal with cost-effective, widely available and sustainable feedstuffs are considered essential for the future development of the aquaculture industry.