Padina Species Research Articles

Untangling the peacock's tail: Species diversity, taxonomy and origins of the economically valuable brown alga Padina (Dicyotales, Phaeophyceae) in Korea

The brown algal genus Padina demonstrated compelling potential for applications in food and biotechnology, arising from its valuable reservoir of minerals, macro- and micro-nutrients, and bioactive compounds. The genus was first reported in Korea in 1892, and to date, a total of six species has been recognized in Korea using a traditional taxonomic morphology-based approach. Nevertheless, there have been disagreements regarding the presence of some of these species, and the paucity of genetic studies undertaken on this group in Korea to date has hindered efforts to close this gap in knowledge. To address this, we conducted an extensive sampling of specimens of Padina across the southern half of the Korean peninsula and neighboring islands. Molecular analyses revealed the presence of four Padina species: P. arborescens, P. crassa, P. imbricata (recorded in Korea for the first time), and P. japonica. Our study, in conjunction with prior research, confirmed the distinctiveness of P. crassa and P. gymnospora, leading us to propose the reinstatement of P. crassa as a separate species. The four identified species in Korea have a dual origin: while P. arborescens, P. crassa, and P. imbricata have historical origins in the East Pacific, P. japonica originated from the Central Indo-Pacific. The genetic divergence and time of divergence observed between these species and the American lineages/species suggests that they are not the result of introduction but rather historical natural dispersal, likely facilitated by oceanic currents. These findings allowed concluding that the four species found in Korea are indigenous to this region. The genus Padina exhibits vast potential for various applications briefly reviewed here, and we strongly advocate for its commercial utilization in Korea. Particularly, P. arborescens, which showed promising pharmaceutical properties and can dominate the seabed in parts of the Korean coast, warrants special attention in this regard.

High‐performance thin‐layer chromatography a densitometric detection of multi‐class bioactive compounds from three species of marine algae Padina and identification of antioxidant substance with mass spectrometry

AbstractPadina is rolled‐blade‐shaped marine brown algae that often have overgrown and has been well explored for its medicinal qualities. The various species of Padina release a wide range of promising chemical components as part of their chemical defense systems. In this context, a finding was conducted to explore the bioactive compounds using exceptionally sophisticated analytical techniques, such as high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography. Microchemical and biochemical derivatization was used in the investigation to confirm multi‐class bioactive molecules and the antioxidant activity of the separated band. Microchemical derivatization ascertained the appearance of miscellaneous lipophilic substances, essential oils, volatile compounds, coumarin, and bitter principles. To determine the chemical standard of these algae, the qualitative (microchemical) screening of phytochemicals associated with flexible high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography was utilized. Moreover, biochemical derivatization, which generates a spectacular white band with a purple background to appear on the chromatogram, substantiates the antioxidant activity of a particular band. These results proffer a chromatographic profile of the antioxidant capability of three species of Padina's bioactive components, which will create the necessary information for the standardization and identification of marine algae. Mass spectrometry results revealed the presence of phytol compound from the diterpenoid class, which has antioxidant potential.

Monitoring heavy metal contamination on the Iranian coasts of the Persian Gulf using biological indicators: risk assessment for the consumers.

This research was conducted to determine the concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, and Ni) in the sediments as well as the gill and muscle tissue of Siganus javus and two species of algae (Padina australis and Sargassum vulgare) collected from the Persian Gulf coasts of Bushehr province, which were studied using standard laboratory methods. The general form and trend of metal uptake at different stations in the gill and muscle tissue was Cu > Ni > Pb. The results of the study of metal uptake in both algae showed that the uptake of all three metals was higher in Padina species (Pb ˂ Cu ˂ Ni). The estimated daily intake (EDI), estimated weekly intake (EWI), allowable fish consumption rate limit (CRlim), and the target hazard quotients (THQ) for the consumption of this fish were also calculated. It was found that the concentration of heavy metals in the edible parts of the fish did not exceed the permissible limits proposed by the WHO, MAFF, JECFA, and NHMRC for human consumption, but the Ni concentration was higher than standard. The consumer risk indexes for non-cancerous diseases due to all metals were lower than standard. Also, the total risk index (HI) in this study was 0.065.

Taxonomy and species diversity of Padina (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) from the Indo-Pacific with the description of two new species

ABSTRACT Taxonomy, species diversity, and geographical distribution of the marine brown algal genus Padina (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) from tropical South-East Asian waters were investigated through a combination of morphological and molecular analyses. The study presents a new schematic diagram showing a suite of morphological characters including thallus hairline structures that are useful for species delineation in the genus. This study also revealed two new species from Myanmar, P. gracilis sp. nov. and P. lata sp. nov. based on molecular and morphological data. P. gracilis is characterised by a 2-layered thallus, thin hairlines on both surfaces of the thallus at equal distances, non-indusiate reproductive sori distally very close to the hairlines on the inferior surface, and the presence of Vaughaniella stage. P. lata is characterized by a 2–4-layered tiny thallus, broad hairlines located only on the inferior thallus surface, non-indusiate reproductive sori abutting the hairlines on the inferior surface and irregularly spreading on the superior surface, and the presence of Vaughaniella stage. This study also revealed new distributional records for four Padina species: P. okinawaensis from Myanmar and P. fasciata, P. ryukyuana and P. terricolor from the Philippines. These findings point to elevated species diversity in central Indo-Pacific waters. This study confirmed that most of the Padina species in the Pacific regions are showing overlapping distribution across the regions, in contrast to species from the Indian Ocean, which tend to be confined to specific localities.

Global Diversity and Geographic Distributions of Padina Species (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae): New Insights Based on Molecular and Morphological Analyses.

The taxonomic status and species diversity of the brown algal genus Padina (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) was assessed based on DNA sequences and the morpho-anatomy of specimens collected worldwide, especially from tropical and subtropical western Pacific regions. Phylogenetic analyses using chloroplast rbcL and mitochondrial cox3 gene sequences demonstrated four distinct clades for newly collected samples with high bootstrap support. Each species clade possesses a suite of morphological features that are not shared by any known species of Padina. These are P. imbricata sp. nov., Padina lutea sp. nov., P. moffittianoides sp. nov., and P. nitida sp. nov. The occurrence of these and other species of Padina clearly points to an elevated diversity of the genus in tropical/subtropical waters of the western Pacific. Phylogenetic analyses provided new insights into biogeographic characteristics of the genus, with many species in the Pacific Ocean showing shared/overlapping distributions, whereas species from the Mediterranean/Atlantic and/or the Indian Ocean tend to be confined to particular regions. Consideration has also been given to the evolutionary time frame of the genus Padina based on molecular time trees: a time tree of the concatenated data set (rbcL+cox3) revealed the estimated divergence time in the mid-Cretaceous, whereas those of cox3 and rbcL showed older estimates pointing to the periods of mid-Jurassic and Early Cretaceous, respectively.

Two new species of Padina (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) from southern Japan, P. ogasawaraensis sp. nov. and P. reniformis sp. nov., based on morphology and molecular markers

:Two new bistratose species of the brown algal genus Padina, P. ogasawaraensis sp. nov. and P. reniformis, sp. nov., were discovered from Ogasawara and Okinawa Islands, and Kagoshima, Japan, respectively, and characterised based on a combination of morphological and molecular analyses. Padina ogasawaraensis is characterised by a semicircular or circular yellowish-brown thallus with light to heavy calcification except at the hairlines and presence of hairlines on both surfaces in an alternating sequence. These can be seen as a broad-depressed line with a remnant of a thin red hairline at its center on the inferior surface and as a narrow or sometimes rudimentary line on the superior surface. Indusiate reproductive sori are located distally adjacent to the hairlines on the inferior surface, partially to deeply embedded in the epidermis layer. Padina reniformis is characterised by a semicircular or kidney-shaped greenish brown thallus with light to moderate calcification on both surfaces of the thallus. Hairlines are present only on one (inferior) surface and are narrow, not depressed. Indusiate tetrasporangial sori are arranged in two to three rows between the hairlines on the inferior surface and situated on the thallus surface. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using rbcL and cox3 DNA sequences placed them in distantly related clades. Padina ogasawaraensis showed a sister relationship to P. calcarea; whereas, P. reniformis was sister to P. fasciata.

Investigation of effects of fucoidan polysaccharides extracted from twospecies of Padina on the wound-healing process in the rat

Seaweeds contains different types of polysaccharides with high abilities. The aim of this study was to determine the potential of fucoidan polysaccharides for wound-healing properties. Fucoidans of two species of Padina ( P. tetrastromatica and P. boergesenii ), collected from the Persian Gulf northern coastal area, were extracted and analyzed using high-performance anion-exchange chromatography. Purified fucoidans were used to prepare a 2% topical ointment. Under aseptic conditions, two identical paravertebral full-thickness skin wounds (either by burn or excision) were made in 40 anesthetized male rats allocated into 4 groups. Either fucoidan ointments or the vehicle (ointment base) were applied to rats' wounds twice daily for 14 days. In addition to the examination of wound area reduction (days 3, 7, 10, and 14) and histopathological assays (days 7 and 10), tissue specimens were taken to the laboratory. Fucoidans obtained from both seaweeds induced significant wound area reduction compared to the vehicle at some time points after treatment. Histopathological examinations showed improvement in some healing signs including angiogenesis, collagen fiber formation, and epidermis formation. In conclusion, both species of Padina have significant wound-healing effects and fucoidan polysaccharides are the active constituents for this healing property. However, fucoidan obtained from P. boergesenii showed superior effects in this regard.

Species of Padina (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) in tropical Mexican waters based on molecular-assisted taxonomy

:Molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy has provided novel ways of exploring biodiversity, and is of great help in taxa where morphology alone is not sufficient to ensure accurate species recognition or delimit species boundaries. Here, we use this approach to assess the taxonomy of Padina Adanson (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae), a common brown algal genus in Mexican waters. Numerous individuals of Padina from Pacific and Atlantic tropical coasts were analysed using sequences of psbA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, and cox3 to determine evolutionary significant units or putative species. Then, cox3 sequences of some individuals of each group were analysed with a large number of sequences available in Genbank using the generalized mixed Yule coalescent and Poisson tree processes models for species delimitation. Each sample was identified using the original and the most common descriptions in the region. Last, the results were evaluated looking for correlations between the molecular and morphological data. We concluded that at least 12 Padina species occurred in Mexican waters, 10 from samples here revised and 2 inferred from Genbank sequences. The study not only revealed the existence of well-identified species, but also the existence of cryptic and polymorphic species, confirming the importance of reassessing type material for proper delimitation and nomenclature. Finally, the evidence supported the independent status of Padina ramonribae Avila-Ortiz, Pedroche & Díaz-Martínez, which is validated here.

First records of two Padina species (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) from the Syrian coast (eastern Mediterranean)

Padina ditristromatica and Padina boryana (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) are recorded for the first time from the Syrian coast (eastern Mediterranean). Padina ditristromatica has been previously reported in the west and the north east of the Mediterranean (Ni-Ni-Win et al. 2011) and Padina boryana from the southern Mediterranean (Geraldino et al. 2005). The morphological and anatomical characteristics have been used to confirm the new Padina spp.

Photosynthetic and nutrient uptake physiology of Padina species in high and low nutrient waters in Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines

Abstract The genus Padina (Dictyotales: Dictyotaceae) are ubiquitous tropical macroalgae found in a wide range of environmental conditions, but the physiological mechanisms that allow them to thrive in different light and nutrient conditions remain unclear. This study identified Padina species found at two contrasting sites in Bolinao, Pangasinan – turbid, high-nutrient waters at Rungos, and clear, low-nutrient waters at Patar, and compared their physiological responses. The examined parameters were growth rates, photosynthetic responses to varying irradiances (P-E curves), and NO3 - and NH4 + uptake kinetics. Different species were found at each site, i.e., Padina antillarum in Rungos and Padina minor in Patar. From the P-E curves, both species appeared to have “shade plant” characteristics with high α values, low compensation irradiances, and low saturation irradiances. Though P. antillarum had higher net productivity (Pmax=69.4 mg O2 gdw-1 h-1) than P. minor (Pmax=40.6 mg O2 gdw-1 h-1), their growth rates did not significantly differ. Their NO3 - uptake rates were similar, while the NH4 + uptake rate of P. minor (Vmax=249.60 μmol gdw-1 h-1) was double that of P. antillarum (Vmax=104.50 μmol gdw-1 h-1) during the first 30 min of exposure to NH4 +. These results suggest that each Padina species utilizes different strategies to survive in their respective habitats.

Biopotential of Silver Nanopeptides Synthesized From Protein Extracts of Padina

The present study was conducted to observe the bio-reduction of silver ions through the peptide solution of selected Padina species viz., P. pavonica, Padina tetrastomatica and P. gymnospora. The aqueous silver ions exposed to the protein extracts and the silver nanopeptides synthesis was confirmed by the color change of protein extracts. These environmentally benign silver nanopeptides were further confirmed by using UV-Vis spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction analysis. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized nanopeptides against four selected pathogens viz., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus pyogenes and Morganella morganii was carried out. The UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis confirmed the silver nanopeptides formation with the peak at 429 and 435nm. The protein extracts of P. pavonica, Padina tetrastomatica and P. gymnospora mediated silver particles showed eight peaks with corresponding lattice planes which confirms the AgNP’s and they are crystalline in nature. The results also show that silver nanopeptides have good antibacterial activity against different bacterial species in which the protein extract of P. pavonica and P. gymnospora mediated silver particles showed the maximum zone of inhibition against M. morgonii (17 mm). The protein extract of Padina tetrastomatica mediated AgNP’s showed the bactericidal activity against M. Morgonii (17 mm) and S. pyogenes (17 mm). The present study confirmed that the capping of proteins with silver nanoparticles capping is capable of rendering antibacterial efficacy and hence has a great potential in the preparation of therapeutic drugs used against bacterial diseases.

A cytotoxic hydroperoxy sterol from the brown alga, Nizamuddinia zanardinii

BackgroundThe marine environment is a unique source of bioactive natural products, of which Nizamuddinia zanardinii is an important brown algae distributed in Oman Sea. Literature revealed that there is no report on phytochemistry and pharmacology of this valuable algae.MethodsBioguided fractionation of the methanolic extract of Nizamuddinia zanardinii, collected from Oman Sea, led to the isolation of a hydroperoxy sterol. Its structure was determined by analysis of the spectroscopic data as 24-hydroperoxy-24-vinyl cholesterol (HVC). In vitro cytotoxic activity of this compound was evaluated against HT29, MCF7, A549, HepG2 and MDBK cell lines.ResultsAlthough 24(R)-hydroproxy-24-vinylcholesterol has been previously reported from Sargassum and Padina species, it is the first report on the presence of this compound from N. zanardinii. This compound exhibited cytotoxicity in all cell lines (IC50, 3.62, 9.09, 17.96, 32.31 and 37.31 μg/mL respectively). HVC was also evaluated for apoptotic activity and demonstrated positive results in terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP Nick End labeling (TUNEL) assay suggesting it a candidate for further apoptotic studies.ConclusionsNizamuddinia zanardinii, a remarkable brown algae of Oman Sea, is a good source of hydroproxy sterols with promising cytotoxic on various cell lines particularly human colon adenocarcinoma.

Four newly recorded species of the calcified marine brown macroalgal genus Padina (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) for Australia

Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on plastid-encoded rbcL and mitochondrial cox3 gene sequences, in combination with morphological observations, revealed the existence of the following four bistratose Padina species previously unreported from Australian coasts: Padina calcarea Ni-Ni-Win, S.G.A.Draisma, W.F.Prud'homme van Reine & H.Kawai, characterised by its bright yellow–orange inferior thallus surface and chalky white, heavily calcified superior surface, and the presence of hairlines only on the inferior surface; P. macrophylla Ni-Ni-Win, M.Uchimura & H.Kawai, characterised by a moderately calcified thallus with broad, depressed hairlines on the inferior surface and narrow, not depressed hairlines on the superior surface, those hairlines that are largely spaced on each surface; P. moffittiana I.A.Abbott & Huisman, characterised by lightly calcified thalli with narrow, slightly depressed hairlines that are distributed in alternate sequence between the two surfaces at unequal distances, and broad reproductive sori in one or two rows in the fertile zone; and P. okinawaensis Ni-Ni-Win, S.Arai, M.Uchimura & H.Kawai, characterised by heavily calcified thalli, except at the hairlines, which form an alternation of uncalcified furrows and calcified glabrous zones on the inferior surface. With the addition of these four species, 13 Padina species are known from Australia.

Morphological and molecular evidence for two new species of Padina (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae), P. sulcata and P. calcarea, from the central Indo-Pacific region

NI-NI-WIN, Hanyuda T., Draisma S.G.A., Verheij E., Prud'homme van Reine W.F., Lim P.-E., Phang S.-M., and Kawai H. 2012. Morphological and molecular evidence for two new species of Padina (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae), P. sulcata and P. calcarea, from the central Indo-Pacific. Phycologia 51: 576–585. DOI: 10.2216/11-94.1Two new species of Padina – 1. Padina sulcata sp. nov. and 2. P. calcarea sp. nov. – from Malaysia, Indonesia and Palau were described based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic observations. Padina sulcata was a three-layered species characterised by a covering of thick fibrous hairs from the base to the middle of the inferior surface (away from the in-rolled margin) of the thallus; conspicuous equally spaced hairlines that alternated between both frond surfaces; and broad, indusiate oogonial and tetrasporangial sori that occupied nearly the entire fertile zones, and the fertile zones were separated by sterile zones of equal width. Padina calcarea was a two-layered species characterised by a bright yellow inferior surface and a thick calcification on the superior surface (facing to the in-rolled margin), which imparted a strikingly whitish color; inconspicuous hairlines were confined to the inferior surface; and indusiate tetrasporangial sori were just above the hairlines and were found only on the inferior surface. Molecular phylogenetic analyses used chloroplast rbcL and mitochondrial cox3 gene sequences and revealed that the two new species each form strongly supported clades that were genetically distant. Padina calcarea formed an isolated clade that made an early divergence; whereas, P. sulcata showed a sister relationship to P. ryukyuana, indicating a more recent divergence. Padina calcarea was very similar to the Hawaiian P. melemele in gross appearance, particularly in the bright orange to yellow color of the inferior thallus surface and the heavy calcification on the superior surface. However, they were distinguished mainly by the position and arrangement of reproductive sori that were found on the inferior surface and located just above the hairlines in P. calcarea but that were found on the superior surface between the hairlines of the opposite surface in P. melemele. Molecular phylogenetic analyses did not reflect the morphological similarity of the two species because they occupied two distantly related clades.

Pseudopataecus carnatobarbatus, a new species of velvetfish (Teleostei: Scorpaeniformes: Aploactinidae) from the Kimberley coast of Western Australia

Pseudopataecus carnatobarbatus, new species, is described from 12 specimens collected on shallow coastal reefs of northernWestern Australia, between the Monte Bello Islands and Adele Island. It is distinguished from its sole congener, P. taenianotusJohnson 2004, by branched (versus simple) tips to most fin rays, last soft dorsal-fin ray joined by membrane more fully toupper caudal-fin ray, spinous dorsal fin more distinctly notched, pelvic fins more robust, anterior face of lower lip smooth (ver-sus profusely covered with cirri), and a narrow quadrangular pit on the forehead, bounded by frontal, supraorbital, ocular andpreocular ridges (versus pit and preocular ridge absent). It also has modally fewer anal-fin rays and modally greater numbers ofgill rakers. Pseudopataecus carnatobarbatus is found in an extremely high tidal range area of Australia, where movement of upto 11 m occurs during spring tides. Specimens were collected in rocky tide pools with coral rubble and thick stands of brownmacroalgae, especially Padina species. The new species has been found in intertidal areas up to only 13 m deep, whereas P. taenianotus has been collected by trawling soft bottom habitats in depths of 20 to 63 m.

Feeding-deterrent activity of acetone extract from three Padina species against the six species of herbivorous gastropods

Feeding-deterrent activity of acetone extract from three Padina species against the six species of herbivorous gastropods

Four new species of Padina (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) from the western Pacific Ocean, and reinstatement of Padina japonica

Ni-Ni-Win, Hanyuda T., Arai S., Uchimura M., Prathep A., Draisma S.G.A., Soe-Htun and Kawai H. 2010. Four new species of Padina (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) from the western Pacific Ocean, and reinstatement of Padina japonica. Phycologia 49: 136–153. DOI: 10.2216/09-54.1Molecular phylogenetic analyses of Padina species collected from the western Pacific Ocean using rbcL and mitochondrial cox3 genes revealed the occurrence of four genetically distinctive clades of unknown Padina species: clade A ( = Padina okinawaensis sp. nov.) from Ryukyu Islands (Japan), Hawaii, Indonesia and Thailand, clade B ( = Padina undulata sp. nov.), clade C ( = Padina terricolor sp. nov.) and clade D ( = Padina fasciata sp. nov.) from Ryukyu Islands (Japan). Morphologically, these new taxa are all bistratose species, and different from any known species in the following morphological features: P. okinawaensis sp. nov., reniform or circular thallus of entire margin with inconspicuous hair lines on the superior surface of the thallus, and reproductive organs (oogonia and tetrasporangia) in small groups or discontinuous sori under thin flakes of calcium on the inferior surface; P. undulata sp. nov., circular or semicircular thallus with undulate margin, conspicuous hair lines on both surfaces of the thallus, oogonial and tetrasporangial sori in continuous or discontinuous lines covered with a persistent indusium, and cylindrical oogonia; P. terricolor sp. nov., grayish brown on the inferior surface of the thallus, and oogonial and tetrasporangial sori in continuous lines covered with a persistent indusium; P. fasciata sp. nov., broad white stripes on both surfaces of the thallus due to unique calcification, and oogonial and tetrasporangial sori in continuous lines, which are entirely embedded in a gelatinous layer, on the inferior surface of the thallus. In addition, the independence of Padina japonica from Padina sanctae-crucis is suggested on the basis of molecular and morphological evidence.

Taxonomic Reassessment of the Genus Padina (Dictyotales, Phaeophyta) from the Gulf of California

A monographic reassessment of Padina Adanson species from the Gulf of California was developed based on an exhaustive review of the character and characters states that have been used to delimit species in recent and historically valuable collections. Eight names (P. caulescens Thivy in Taylor, P. concrescens Thivy in Taylor, P. crispata Thivy in Taylor, P. durvillaei Bory Saint-Vincent, P. gymnospora [Kutzing] Sonder, P. mexicana Dawson, P. tetrastromatica Hauck and P. vickersiae Hoyt in Howe) were reported from the region. An analysis of 1,200 specimens led to the conclusion that only three species (P. durvillaei, P. concrescens and P. mexicana) can be recognized for the area based on four discriminating characters: presence of calcium carbonate in the cell wall; number of medullary cell layers in the basal area; number of medullary cell layers in the middle part and presence/absence of cortical cells. Comparative analysis of the species in the Gulf of California in relation to other recently evaluated species has shown a clear distinction among them suggesting Padina species were overestimated in our area.

Baseline Trace Metals in Seagrass, Algae, and Mollusks in a Southern Tyrrhenian Ecosystem (Linosa Island, Sicily)

Trace elements were analyzed in organisms collected at five sampling stations along coastal areas of Linosa Island, Sicily (southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy). Concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn were measured in Posidonia oceanica L. Delile tissues, the two brown algae Padina pavonica (L.) Thivy and Cystoseira sp., and the two gastropod mollusks Monodonta turbinata Born and Patella caerulea L. Seawater samples were also collected at each site to assess soluble metal concentrations and to gain relevant information on their bioaccumulation ability. Data were processed by multivariate techniques, such as principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis on PCA factors. The scoreplots obtained showed that the pollutant distribution is more significantly correlated with species than with sites. For seaweeds, P. oceanica was associated with higher Cd, Cu, and Zn levels; Padina species had higher Cr concentrations, and Cystoseira had higher Pb levels. For mollusks, Monodonta species had high concentrations of Cu and Cr and Patella species were associated with Cd. Some general metal bioaccumulation patterns are described but no one sampling site was more contaminated than the others. The hypothesis of Linosa island serving as a reference ecosystem for baseline trace metal levels in southern Tyrrhenian areas is indeed supported by the statistical comparison among other southern Tyrrhenian ecosystems performed with Kruskall Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. For P. oceanica leaves, P. pavonica, M. turbinata, and P. caerulea, this study confirms their usefulness as possible cosmopolitan biomonitors of trace metals in marine Mediterranean areas.

On the presence of fertile gametophytes of <i>Padina pavonica</i> (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) from the Iberian coasts

The gametophytes of Padina pavonica (L.) Thivy have received little attention in literature. Both female and predominantly male monoecious gametophytes of P. pavonica are recorded for the first time in the Iberian Peninsula. A detailed description of the morphology and the disposition of oogonia and antheridia is presented. In addition, a comparison with literature data on this and other Padina species is carried out.