Comparison of Suitability of Great Bay, New Jersey, and Parsonage Creek, New York, for Alexandrium tamarense

ABSTRACT. Alexandrium tamarense (Lebour) Balech (= Gonyaulax tamarensis Lebour) has been widely distributed and occasionally abundant in coastal waters of Long Island, New York in recent years. However, the distribution on the New Jersey coast has been sparse and this fact cannot be explained by this dinoflagellate's ability to migrate, or by its nutritional and physiological characteristics, or by the region's general suitability for phytoplankton. Therefore, the possibility that New Jersey coastal waters might be chemically exclusionary for A. tamarense seemed worth exploring. In a limited approach, we tested for water quality detrimental to the species in one New Jersey site (Great Bay) with a series of annual assays. Parsonage Creek, Long Island, New York, was assayed for comparison; this creek is assumed to have had at least marginal suitablity for A. tamarense , based on its reported long-term presence. Results provide tentative support for our working hypothesis, i.e. Great Bay chemical water quality is generally unfavorable for A. tamarense. Inhibition of A. tamarense growth, or culture decline, occurred in both assay series, but was substantially greater in Great Bay water. Inimical water quality was the most important factor distinguishing the two sites. Chelation with EDTA had greatest overall benefit in Great Bay assays, suggesting that lower availability of a natural chelator in the bay could be a secondary factor. Assay metal response is problematic, but we believe it permits speculation that essential metals could be partially limiting to A. tamarense in Great Bay, but would not be a critical regulator.     

A review of the global ecology,genomics, and biogeography of the toxic cyanobacterium,Microcystis spp.

This review summarizes the present state of knowledge regarding the toxic, bloom-forming cyanobacterium, Microcystis, with a specific focus on its geographic distribution, toxins, genomics, phylogeny, and ecology. A global analysis found documentation suggesting geographic expansion of Microcystis, with recorded blooms in at least 108 countries, 79 of which have also reported the hepatatoxin microcystin. The production of microcystins (originally “Fast-Death Factor”) by Microcystis and factors that control synthesis of this toxin are reviewed, as well as the putative ecophysiological roles of this metabolite. Molecular biological analyses have provided significant insight into the ecology and physiology of Microcystis, as well as revealed the highly dynamic, and potentially unstable, nature of its genome. A genetic sequence analysis of 27 Microcystis species, including 15 complete/draft genomes are presented. Using the strictest biological definition of what constitutes a bacterial species, these analyses indicate that all Microcystis species warrant placement into the same species complex since the average nucleotide identity values were above 95%, 16S rRNA nucleotide identity scores exceeded 99%, and DNA–DNA hybridization was consistently greater than 70%. The review further provides evidence from around the globe for the key role that both nitrogen and phosphorus play in controlling Microcystis bloom dynamics, and the effect of elevated temperature on bloom intensification. Finally, highlighted is the ability of Microcystis assemblages to minimize their mortality losses by resisting grazing by zooplankton and bivalves, as well as viral lysis, and discuss factors facilitating assemblage resilience.     

The Epipelic Algal Flora of the River Wye System,Wales, U. K. 2. Algal Phyla and Species Population Dynamics

The Bacillariophyta dominated over the other phyla and were mainly recorded in high densities during summer and autumn. The Chlorophyta and Myxophyta (Cyanobacteria) were represented by coccoid forms and by non-heterocystous, filamentous forms, respectively. Both were mainly recorded during summer and mostly absent during winter. Other phyla were occasionally recorded in low densities; the Chrysophyta being found in the River Elan and at one site on the River Wye during June 1980. Their members were considered as “contaminants” or “fall-out” from other communities. Pennate diatoms were the most “constant” species and either showed a general upstream or downstream increase or a general distribution throughout the study area. Populations of the same species colonising both sediments and stones were not correlated or insignificantly correlated with each other at most stations. It was concluded that sediments were unsuitable for algal colonisation. The River Elan and upper Wye were rated as oligosaprobic, the River Ithon and lower Wye as β-mesosaprobic and the River Lugg as α-mesosaprobic.     

A Review of the Chemistry and Biological Activities of Natural Colorants,Dyes, and Pigments: Challenges,and Opportunities for Food,Cosmetics, and Pharmaceutical Application

Natural pigments are important sources for the screening of bioactive lead compounds. This article reviewed the chemistry and therapeutic potentials of over 570 colored molecules from plants, fungi, bacteria, insects, algae, and marine sources. Moreover, related biological activities, advanced extraction, and identification approaches were reviewed. A variety of biological activities, including cytotoxicity against cancer cells, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, anti-microbial, antiviral, and anti-protozoal activities, have been reported for different pigments. Considering their structural backbone, they were classified as naphthoquinones, carotenoids, flavonoids, xanthones, anthocyanins, benzotropolones, alkaloids, terpenoids, isoprenoids, and non-isoprenoids. Alkaloid pigments were mostly isolated from bacteria and marine sources, while flavonoids were mostly found in plants and mushrooms. Colored quinones and xanthones were mostly extracted from plants and fungi, while colored polyketides and terpenoids are often found in marine sources and fungi. Carotenoids are mostly distributed among bacteria, followed by fungi and plants. The pigments isolated from insects have different structures, but among them, carotenoids and quinone/xanthone are the most important. Considering good manufacturing practices, the current permitted natural colorants are: Carotenoids (canthaxanthin, β-carotene, β-apo-8′-carotenal, annatto, astaxanthin) and their sources, lycopene, anthocyanins, betanin, chlorophyllins, spirulina extract, carmine and cochineal extract, henna, riboflavin, pyrogallol, logwood extract, guaiazulene, turmeric, and soy leghemoglobin.     

Aspects of the spatial distribution of the algae of the nant-y-moch reservoir,Ceredigion, Wales

The spatial distribution of algae in the Nant-y-Moch reservoir has been studied in relation to a number of factors. It was not possible to relate the variation in algal numbers to the wind parameters studied and it is postulated that water currents, set up by the abstraction of water, may be influencing the distribution. The variation of species composition in the different parts of the lake was summarised by means of diversity and heterogeneity indices. It was found difficult to relate the differences in diversity indices to the position of the transects sampled; which again was probably the result of the complex water patterns likely to exist in the lake. Average mean heterogeneity indices indicated that four transects were relatively different from each other and from the other transects studied; reasons for the differences are suggested.     

A review of karenia mikimotoi: Bloom events,physiology, toxicity and toxic mechanism

Karenia mikimotoi is a worldwide bloom-forming dinoflagellate in the genus Karenia. Blooms of this alga have been observed since the 1930s and have caused mass mortalities of fish, shellfish, and other invertebrates in the coastal waters of many countries, including Japan, Norway, Ireland, and New Zealand. This species has frequently bloomed in China, causing great financial losses (more than 2 billion yuan, Fujian Province, 2012). K. mikimotoi can adapt to various light, temperature, salinity, and nutrient conditions, which together with its complex life history, strong motility, and density-dependent allelopathy, allows it to form blooms that are lethal to almost all marine organisms. However, its toxicity differs between subspecies and some target-species-specific toxicity has also been recorded. Significant gill disorder is observed in affected fish, to which the massive fish kills are attributed, rather than to the hypoxia that occurs in the fading stage of a bloom. However, although this species is haemolytic and cytotoxic, and generates reactive oxygen species, none of the isolated toxins or lipophilic extracts have toxic effects as extreme as those of the intact algal cells. The toxic effects of K. mikimotoi are strongly related to contact with intact cells. Several reasonable hypotheses of how and why this species blooms and causes mass mortalities have been proposed, but further research is required.     

ALGAL DISTRIBUTION IN A SMALL,INTERMITTENT STREAM RECEIVING ACID MINE-DRAINAGE1

Lynx Creek, a small intermittent creek in the Bradshaw Mountains of Arizona, is subjected to drainage from an abandoned copper mine. The mine-drainage decreases the pH of the Creek about three units and greatly increases sulfate and heavy metal concentrations. Chemical recovery of the Creek occurs downstream through precipitation of metal hydroxides and dilution by tributaries. Changes in Creek chemistry are accompanied by changes in algal flora. Above the mine and downstream after substantial recovery, the flora is dominated by Tribonema affine⁴, Achnanthes spp., and Synedra ulna and several zygnematacean species. In the mine seep entering the Creek and in the Creek just below the seep the flora is reduced in species richness and dominated in abundance by Microthamnion kuetzingianum and Eunotia tenella.     

Studies on a series of small freshwater pools near St. John's,Newfoundland II. Algae

Eighty nine fresh-water algae of various groups are described in this paper. This paper is one of the series of publications representing the studies on a series of small freshwater pools near St. John's, Newfoundland.Studies in Biology from Memorial University of Newfoundland No. 299. Contribution from the Centre for Environmental Biology No. 17.Studies in Biology from Memorial University of Newfoundland No. 299. Contribution from the Centre for Environmental Biology No. 17.     

Algicidal and growth-inhibiting bacteria associated with seagrass and macroalgae beds in Puget Sound,WA, USA

The algicidal and growth-inhibiting bacteria associated with seagrasses and macroalgae were characterized during the summer of 2012 and 2013 throughout Puget Sound, WA, USA. In 2012, Heterosigma akashiwo-killing bacteria were observed in concentrations of 2.8 × 10⁶ CFU g⁻¹ wet in the outer organic layer (biofilm) on the common eelgrass (Zostera marina) in north Padilla Bay. Bacteria that inhibited the growth of Alexandrium tamarense were detected within the biofilm formed on the eelgrass canopy at Dumas Bay and North Bay at densities of ∼10⁸ CFU g⁻¹ wet weight. Additionally, up to 4100 CFU mL⁻¹ of algicidal and growth-inhibiting bacteria affecting both A. tamarense and H. akashiwo were detected in seawater adjacent to seven different eelgrass beds. In 2013, H. akashiwo-killing bacteria were found on Z. marina and Ulva lactuca with the highest densities of ∼10⁸ CFU g⁻¹ wet weight at Shallow Bay, Sucia Island. Bacteria that inhibited the growth of H. akashiwo and A. tamarense were also detected on Z. marina and Z. japonica at central Padilla Bay. Heterosigma akashiwo cysts were detected at a concentration of 3400 cysts g⁻¹ wet weight in the sediment from Westcott Bay (northern San Juan Island), a location where eelgrass disappeared in 2002. These findings provide new insights on the ecology of algicidal and growth-inhibiting bacteria, and suggest that seagrass and macroalgae provide an environment that may influence the abundance of harmful algae in this region. This work highlights the importance of protection and restoration of native seagrasses and macroalgae in nearshore environments, in particular those regions where shellfish restoration initiatives are in place to satisfy a growing demand for seafood.     

Taxonomic identification of algae (morphological and molecular): species concepts,methodologies, and their implications for ecological bioassessment

Algal taxonomy is a key discipline in phycology and is critical for algal genetics, physiology, ecology, applied phycology, and particularly bioassessment. Taxonomic identification is the most common analysis and hypothesis‐testing endeavor in science. Errors of identification are often related to the inherent problem of small organisms with morphologies that are difficult to distinguish without research‐grade microscopes and taxonomic expertise in phycology. Proposed molecular approaches for taxonomic identification from environmental samples promise rapid, potentially inexpensive, and more thorough culture‐independent identification of all algal species present in a sample of interest. Molecular identification has been used in biodiversity and conservation, but it also has great potential for applications in bioassessment. Comparisons of morphological and molecular identification of benthic algal communities are improved by the identification of more taxa; however, automated identification technology does not allow for the simultaneous analysis of thousands of samples. Currently, morphological identification is used to verify molecular taxonomic identities, but with the increased number of taxa verified in algal gene libraries, molecular identification will become a universal tool in biological studies. Thus, in this report, successful application of molecular techniques related to algal bioassessment is discussed.     

First reports of Pseudo‐nitzschia micropora and P. hasleana (Bacillariaceae) from the Southern Hemisphere: Morphological,molecular and toxicological characterization

Pseudo‐nitzschia H. Peragallo is a marine diatom genus found worldwide in polar, temperate, subtropical and tropical waters. It includes toxigenic representatives that produce domoic acid (DA), a neurotoxin responsible for Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning. In this study we characterized two species of Pseudo‐nitzschia collected from Port Stephens and the Hawkesbury River (south eastern Australia) previously unreported from Australian waters. Clonal isolates were sub‐sampled for (i) light and transmission electron microscopy; (ii) DNA sequencing, based on the nuclear‐encoded partial large subunit ribosomal RNA gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)‐ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2 rDNA regions and, (iii) DA production as measured by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Morphological and molecular data unambiguously revealed the species to be Pseudo‐nitzschia micropora Priisholm, Moestrup & Lundholm (Port Stephens) and Pseudo‐nitzschia hasleana Lundholm (Hawkesbury River). This is the first report of the occurrence of these species from the Southern Hemisphere and the first report of P. micropora in warm‐temperate waters. Cultures of P. micropora, tested for DA production for the first time, proved to be non‐toxic. Similarly, no detectable toxin concentrations were observed for P. hasleana. Species resolution and knowledge on the toxicity of local Pseudo‐nitzschia species has important implications for harmful algal bloom monitoring and management.     

Use of a multiple addition bioassay to determine limiting nutrients in eagle lake,California

This investigation uses anin vitro enrichment bioassay (in which all essential nutrients except one are added to each culture) to determine which nutrients are important to algal growth in Eagle Lake. The technique was developed when it was discovered that addition of individual nutrients produced little if any growth response. Laboratory bioassays correlated well with comparative studies in the lake. A great deal of variation was found throughout the year but P, N, Fe, and S were found to be limiting at one time or another. The north and south basins of the lake, which differ in morphometry, were also found to differ in the intensity spectrum of limitation. While P was the most important nutrient in both basins, the other nutrients were more limiting in the north basin than the south, and Fe, which was least limiting in the south, was very important in the north. The multiple enrichment bioassay has several advantages over other bioassays. Supported in part by Research Corporation     

Phytocenotic organization of algal groups on dumps of the Kuznetsk Basin

The paper reports on phytocenotic organization of algal groups found on dumps in the Kuznetsk Basin. Algal groups differ in composition of dominant taxa and biological spectra in open spaces and soils at the roots of higher plants. The vertical distribution of algal species is characterized.     

Causes,historical development,effects and future challenges of a common environmental problem: eutrophication

The impact of the presence of us humans as well as our activities to nature has led to over-exploitation of natural resources and to dramatic changes in land-use including the use of artificial fertilizers contributes to the deterioration of the natural environment. The population density, industrial processes and the use of fertilizers are the main causes for the eutrophication of river systems, estuaries and seas. There are several ways to determine the actual nutrient levels back to the 1950s, back to 1900 or even back to 1800. Available data indicate that the natural background concentrations of nutrients (pristine conditions or the period prior to the widespread use of artificial fertilizers and detergents) were dramatically lower than today. Available time series on chemical and biological data collected from different parts of the world show the (sometimes tremendous) increase in nutrient levels and the related productivity. The same time series, however, also show the decreases in values when measures were taken to reduce the nutrient emissions. Investigations of different systems all over the world show that nearly every system responses differently to eutrophication. Especially physical boundary conditions play an important role in the manifestation of the ultimate effect of local eutrophication. Apart from the physical boundary conditions also the transformation and retention of nutrients in estuarine and coastal systems contribute to system specific responses. Depending on all these different conditions, site specific responses with even site specific problems may occur. The challenge of this millennium is to really reach a balance between nature and mankind including its population size. A beneficial step in this discussion is assessing criteria to reduce eutrophication back to a level acceptable to both humans and nature.     

Vampirovibrio chlorellavorus draft genome sequence,annotation, and preliminary characterization of pathogenicity determinants

Vampirovibrio chlorellavorus is recognized as a pathogen of commercially‐relevant Chlorella species. Algal infection and total loss of productivity (biomass) often occurs when susceptible algal hosts are cultivated in outdoor open pond systems. The pathogenic life cycle of this bacterium has been inferred from laboratory and field observations, and corroborated in part by the genomic analyses for two Arizona isolates recovered from an open algal reactor. V. chlorellavorus predation has been reported to occur in geographically‐ and environmentally‐diverse conditions. Genomic analyses of these and additional field isolates is expected to reveal new information about the extent of ecological diversity and genes involved in host‐pathogen interactions. The draft genome sequences for two isolates of the predatory V. chlorellavorus (Cyanobacteria; Ca. Melainabacteria) from an outdoor cultivation system located in the Arizona Sonoran Desert were assembled and annotated. The genomes were sequenced and analyzed to identify genes (proteins) with predicted involvement in predation, infection, and cell death of Chlorella host species prioritized for biofuel production at sites identified as highly suitable for algal production in the southwestern USA. Genomic analyses identified several predicted genes encoding secreted proteins that are potentially involved in pathogenicity, and at least three apparently complete sets of virulence (Vir) genes, characteristic of the VirB‐VirD type system encoding the canonical VirB1‐11 and VirD4 proteins, respectively. Additional protein functions were predicted suggesting their involvement in quorum sensing and motility. The genomes of two previously uncharacterized V. chlorellavorus isolates reveal nucleotide and protein level divergence between each other, and a previously sequenced V. chlorellavorus genome. This new knowledge will enhance the fundamental understanding of trans‐kingdom interactions between a unique cosmopolitan cyanobacterial pathogen and its green microalgal host, of broad interest as a source of harvestable biomass for biofuels or bioproducts.     

龙凤山藻在澄江早寒武世生物群中的发现

主要报道了产自云南昆明海口耳材村早寒武世筇竹寺组玉案山段澄江生物群中可能为自由漂浮生长的宏观藻类化石--心型龙凤山藻(新种)(Longfengshania cordata sp. nov.)和中华豆芽藻(新属、新种)(Plantulaformis sinensis gen. et sp. nov.).这些化石的发现进一步显示了澄江生物群物种多样性,为揭示该生物群爆发性演化提供了新的证据.通过对龙凤山藻属亲缘关系的深入比较研究,进一步证明该类化石应归属宏观藻类以及它们遗传上的稳定性、演化上的保守性和环境上的适应性.     

A SIMPLE METHOD FOR ISOLATING FILAMENTS AS “ALGAL SEED STOCK” FROM MONOSTROMA LATISSIMUM (CHLOROPHYTA) GERMLINGS,AND APPLICATION FOR MASS CULTIVATION1

Germlings were grown from Monostroma latissimum Wittr. reproductive cells on nylon ropes. Holdfast threads and some uniseriate filaments were observed to have penetrated the fibers of the dispersed ropes. The algal filaments were easily isolated and prepared for cultivation, in comparison to the methods of enzymatically isolated algal protoplasts. Under low light (60–100 μmol photons · m^?2 · s^?1), the algal filaments grew to form a filamentous mass. When cultivated under stronger light (300–600 μmol photons · m^?2 · s^?1), they grew to initially form tubular thalli and then, when cultivated under light intensities >700 μmol photons · m^?2 · s^?1, formed foliaceous thalli. Consequently, the filaments were homogenized into small sections and then sewed on the nylon rope for algal mass cultivation. Under high‐intensity natural light, they grew to form leafy thalli.     

龙凤山藻在澄江早寒武世生物群中的发现

主要报道了产自云南昆明海口耳材村早寒武世筇竹寺组玉案山段澄江生物群中可能为漂浮生长的宏观藻类化石-心型龙凤山藻（新种）（Longfengshania cordata sp.nov.)和中华豆芽藻（新属、新种）（lantulaformis sinensis gen.et sp.nov)。这些化石的发现进一步显示了澄江生物群种物多样性,为揭示该生物群爆发性演化提供了新的证据。通过对龙凤山藻属亲缘关系的深入比较研究,进一步证明该类化石应归属宏观藻类以及它们遗传上的稳定性、演化上的保守性和环境上的适应性。     

Trophic state and nutrient limitation in Lake Baringo,Kenya

The trophic state of Lake Baringo and factors that could be limiting the development of algal biomass in it were investigated during one wet/dry hydrological cycle in 2014–2015. Water samples were analysed for dissolved inorganic nutrients, including , and , total phosphorus and Chlorophyll a. Light attenuation was estimated using Secchi depth. The trophic state was determined using Carlson trophic state indices (CTSI). Deviations in CTSI, nutrient ratios and ambient nutrient concentrations were used to identify factors limiting phytoplankton growth. The mean values measured for Secchi depth, nitrate, total phosphorus and Chlorophyll a showed significant seasonal variation (p < 0.05). Based on the Carlson trophic state index, the results show that Lake Baringo is eutrophic. However, the lake is also experiencing phosphorus limitation and poor light penetration, because of high turbidity, which is more pronounced during the wet season.