The role of heterocytes in the physiology and ecology of bloom-forming harmful cyanobacteria

Dolichospermum flos-aquae and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii are two cyanobacteria species which cause harmful blooms around the world. Both these species share the capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen in heterocytes (cell where fixation occurs). While Dolichospermum can express heterocytes at rather regular intervals across the filament, Cylindrospermopsis can only express heterocytes at the end of the filament. The aim of this study was to experimentally assess the role of heterocyte position in the eco-physiological responses of these bloom forming cyanobacteria. Replicated monocultures of each species were grown at different eutrophication scenarios (limiting and sufficient nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, in factorial design). Dolichospermum reached high biomass regardless of the nitrogen (and phosphorus) provided, suggesting that this species could bloom in situations with and without nitrogen limitation. In contrast, Cylindrospermopsis reached high biomass only when nitrogen supply was high; its biomass was 15-20 times lower when relying on nitrogen fixation. Hence, despite its ability to fix nitrogen, blooms of Cylindrospermopsis would be expected only under high total nitrogen availability. In Dolichospermum heterocytes occurred only in the scenarios without supplied nitrogen while in Cylindrospermopsis heterocytes occurred regardless of nitrogen availability. Yet, in both species nitrogen fixation occurred (heterocytes were functional) only when nitrogen was limiting, and nitrogen fixation increased significantly at higher phosphorus concentration. Finally, in the absence of supplied nitrogen, filament length in Dolichospermum was the longest, while filaments in Cylindrospermopsis were the shortest (up to 13 times shorter than at nitrogen sufficiency). Therefore, heterocyte expression in Dolichospermum, and filament length in Cylindrospermopsis seem good proxies of nitrogen fixation. The eco-physiological responses recorded here help understand the distribution of these species along nutrient gradients in nature.     

Biogeography of bloom-forming microcystin producing and non-toxigenic populations of Dolichospermum lemmermannii (Cyanobacteria)

In the last decades, the cyanobacterium Dolichospermum lemmermannii showed an increasing spread to Southern Europe, raising serious concerns due to its ability to produce cyanotoxins. The widening of its geographic distribution and the observation of strains showing high optimum temperature underline its ecological heterogeneity, suggesting the existence of different ecotypes. To investigate its biogeography, new isolates from different European water bodies, together with strains maintained by the Norwegian Institute for Water Research Culture Collection of Algae, were genetically characterised for the 16S rRNA gene and compared with strains obtained from public repositories. Geographic distance highly influenced the differentiation of genotypes, further suggesting the concurrent role of geographic isolation, physical barriers and environmental factors in promoting the establishment of phylogenetic lineages adapted to specific habitats. Differences among populations were also examined by morphological analysis and evaluating the toxic potential of single strains, which revealed the exclusive ability of North European strains to produce microcystins, whereas the populations in Southern Europe tested negative for a wide range of cyanotoxins. The high dispersion ability and the existence of toxic genotypes indicate the possible spread of harmful blooms in other temperate regions.     

Phosphorus limitation and excess carbon in zooplankton

Organisms rely on a series of chemical reactions, which are constrained by the availability of key chemical elements, such as carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). Ecological stoichiometry provides a tool for analyzing how the balance of elements required by organisms affects food-web dynamics. Ecological stoichiometric theory suggests that the balance between supply and demand of elements is determined by the conversion efficiency from resources to organisms.Autotrophs and heterotrophs commonly face unequal access to and uptake of elements. The stoichiometric variability of autotrophs is based on their ability to maintain the balance of elements required for growth. This creates a challenge for their grazers. Phytoplankton can adjust their P content to ambient nutrient concentrations, while zooplankton cannot store excess nutrients. Ecological stoichiometric theory thus suggests that zooplankton have relatively fixed stoichiometry compared with phytoplankton.Nutrient limitation is common in aquatic systems. Stoichiometric imbalances between phytoplankton and zooplankton mean that zooplankton rarely find optimal food sources, and phytoplankton production is in excess. P availability potentially limits zooplankton growth, because of the high C:P ratio in phytoplankton relative to zooplankton demand. Based on the Liebig minimum principle, organisms are normally limited by a single nutrient, while everything else is in excess. Under P deficiency, excess C cannot be allocated to zooplankton somatic growth, and the net intake of C must balance the C:P ratio of zooplankton. Thus, when zooplankton encounter nutritionally imbalanced foods the elements in excess are released in order to maintain homeostasis. Excess C, released by zooplankton results in two biochemical challenges: (1) to sequester the limiting element and (2) to either store or dispose of the element in surplus.Zooplankton must resort to various physiological solutions to cope with these challenges. As a first option, zooplankton can reduce their C assimilation efficiency but maintain their P assimilation efficiency. Alternatively, after assimilation, excess C may be stored in C-rich compounds. Finally, assimilated excess C could also be disposed of through respiration or extracellular release. Excess C released by zooplankton reduces C transfer efficiency and sequestration in aquatic ecosystems.In aquatic ecosystems, C sequestration largely depends on the balance between uptake and demand for key nutrient elements. These feedback mechanisms have arisen only because organisms must obey stoichiometric rules at the cell and body levels, which greatly constrain the range of element values in ecosystems. Thus, the fate of C in ecosystems is determined by the absolute and relative demands for N and P of each organism. Limiting elements are utilized for growth and transferred in food chains with high efficiency, while non-limiting elements must be disposed of. Therefore, low C:P phytoplankton communities subject to high turnover rates and high productivity are selectively channeled into zooplankton. When zooplankton face high C:P foods, excess C is returned to the environment. Hence, nutrient-deficient phytoplankton constitute poor food, influencing the entire food web and adversely affecting secondary production at all levels.Excess C processed by zooplankton has far-reaching implications for ecosystem food-web functioning and C sequestration. Studies of the fate of excess C in zooplankton would increase the understanding of energy flow and material cycling in aquatic ecosystems. This paper reviews the reasons for P limitation and excess C in zooplankton, principal routes for the disposal of excess C, and the ecological effects of this. In addition, the paper aims to provide insight and a theoretical foundation for related studies in China.     

Physiological and Biochemical Changes in Microcystis aeruginosa Qutz. in Phosphorus Limitation

Effects of phosphorus limitation on the physiological and biochemical changes of the freshwater bloom alga Microcystis aeruginosa Qutz. are reported in the present study. As a result of phosphorus limitation, biomass was controlled to some extent and the protein content per cell in vivo decreased. However,the carbohydrate content per cell was higher in phosphorus limitation over the 8d of cultivation. Soluble proteins were distinct in the media, whereas phosphorus deficiency induced the presence of a unique protein (16.2 kDa). Under conditions of phosphorus limitation, the activities of both superoxide dismutase and peroxidase per cell in vivo were lower than under normal conditions in the last cultivation. The in vivo absorption spectra of cells showed chlorophyll absorption peaks at 676 and 436nm, over 10nm red-shifted from the normal position; cells showed an absence of a chlorophyll c with an in viva absorption peak at 623nm and an extraction absorption peak at 617nm. The chlorophyll a/carotene and chlorophyll a/xanthophylls ratios decreased under conditions of phosphorus limitation, photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) was clearly lower, and the low-temperature fluorescence emission spectra indicated a higher peak at 683nm and a lower peak at 721nm relatively, with the 721nm peak drifting slightly to the red and the 683 nm peak strengthened with a weakened 692nm shoulder peak.     

Physiological and Biochemical Changes in Microcystis aeruginosa Qutz. in Phosphorus Limitation

Effects of phosphorus limitation on the physiological and biochemical changes of the freshwater bloom alga Microcystis aeruginosa Qutz. are reported in the present study. As a result of phosphorus limitation, biomass was controlled to some extent and the protein content per cell in vivo decreased. However,the carbohydrate content per cell was higher in phosphorus limitation over the 8 d of cultivation. Soluble proteins were distinct in the media, whereas phosphorus deficiency induced the presence of a unique protein (16.2 kDa). Under conditions of phosphorus limitation, the activities of both superoxide dismutase and peroxidase per cell in vivo were lower than under normal conditions in the last cultivation. The in vivo absorption spectra of cells showed chlorophyll absorption peaks at 676 and 436 nm, over 10 nm red-shifted from the normal position; cells showed an absence of a chlorophyll c with an in vivo absorption peak at 623nm and an extraction absorption peak at 617 nm. The chlorophyll a/carotene and chlorophyll a/xanthophylls ratios decreased under conditions of phosphorus limitation, photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) was clearly lower, and the low-temperature fluorescence emission spectra indicated a higher peak at 683 nm and a lower peak at 721 nm relatively, with the 721 nm peak drifting slightly to the red and the 683 nm peak strengthened with a weakened 692 nm shoulder peak.     

Intraspecific variability in response to phosphorus depleted conditions in the cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa and Raphidiopsis raciborskii

Phosphorus loading plays an important role in the occurrence of cyanobacterial blooms and understanding how this nutrient affects the physiology of cyanobacteria is imperative to manage these phenomena. Microcystis aeruginosa and Raphidiopsis raciborskii are cyanobacterial species that form potentially toxic blooms in freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Blooms comprise numerous strains with high trait variability, which can contribute to the widespread distribution of these species. Here, we explored the intraspecific variability in response to phosphorus depleted conditions (P-) testing five strains of each species. Strains could be differentiated by cell volume or genetic profiles except for those of the same species, sampling location and date, though these presented differences in their response to (P-). Although differently affected by (P-) over 10 days, all strains were able to grow and maintain photosynthetic activity. For most M. aeruginosa and R. raciborskii strains growth rates were not significantly different comparing (P+) and (P-) conditions. After ten days in (P-), only one M. aeruginosa strain and two R. raciborskii strains showed reduction in biovolume yield as compared to (P+) but in most strains chlorophyll-a concentrations were lower in (P-) than in (P+). Reduced photosystem II efficiency was found for only one R. raciborskii strain while all M. aeruginosa strains were affected. Only two M. aeruginosa and one R. raciborskii strain increased alkaline phosphatase activity under (P-) as compared to (P+). Variation in P-uptake was also observed but comparison among strains yielded homogeneous groups comprised of representatives of both species. Comparing the response of each species as a whole, the (P-) condition affected growth rate, biovolume yield and chlorophyll yield. However, these parameters revealed variation among strains of the same species to the extent that differences between M. aeruginosa and R. raciborskii were not significant. Taken together, these results do not support the idea that R. raciborskii, as a species, can withstand phosphorus limitation better than M. aeruginosa and also point that the level of intraspecific variation may preclude generalizations based on studies that use only one or few strains.     

Phosphorus addition reduces invasion of a longleaf pine savanna (Southeastern USA) by a non-indigenous grass (Imperata cylindrica)

Imperata cylindrica is an invasive C₄ grass, native to Asia and increasing in frequency throughout the tropics, subtropics, and southeastern USA. Such increases are associated with reduced biodiversity, altered fire regimes, and a more intense competitive environment for commercially important species. We measured rates of clonal spread by I. cylindrica from a roadside edge into the interior of two longleaf pine savannas. In addition, we measured the effects of fertilization with nitrogen and phosphorus on clonal invasion of one of these sites. Clonal invasion occurred at both sites and at similar rates. Older portions of an I. cylindrica sward contained fewer species of native pine-savanna plants. Clonal growth rates and aboveground mass of I. cylindrica were reduced by the addition of phosphorus relative to controls by the second growing season at one site. As a group, native species were not affected much by P-addition, although the height of legumes was increased by P addition, and the percent cover of legumes relative to native non-legumes decreased with increasing expected P limitation (i.e., going from P-fertilized to controls to N-fertilized treatments). Clonal invasion was negatively correlated with the relative abundance of legumes in control plots but not in P-fertilized plots. Species richness and percent cover of native plants (both legumes and non-legumes) were dramatically lower in N-fertilized plots than in controls or P-fertilized plots. Species richness of native plants was negatively correlated with final aboveground mass of I. cylindrica in control and P-fertilized plots, but not in N-fertilized plots. The results suggest that I. cylindrica is a better competitor for phosphorus than are native pine-savanna plants, especially legumes, and that short-lived, high-level pulses of phosphorus addition reduce this competitive advantage without negatively affecting native plant diversity. Ratios of soil P to N or native legume to non-legume plant species may provide indicators of the resistance of pristine pine savannas to clonal invasion by I. cylindrica.     

An overview of diversity,occurrence, genetics and toxin production of bloom-forming Dolichospermum (Anabaena) species

The new genus name Dolichospermum, for most of the planktonic former members of the genus Anabaena, is one of the most ubiquitous bloom-forming cyanobacterial genera. Its dominance and persistence have increased in recent years, due to eutrophication from anthropogenic activities and global climate change. Blooms of Dolichospermum species, with their production of secondary metabolites that commonly include toxins, present a worldwide threat to environmental and public health. In this review, recent advances of the genus Dolichospermum are summarized, including taxonomy, genetics, bloom occurrence, and production of toxin and taste-and-odor compounds. The recent and continuing acquisition of genome sequences is ushering in new methods for monitoring and understanding the factors regulating bloom dynamics.     

Interactions between goldenrod (Solidago altissima L.) and its insect herbivore (Trirhabda virgata) over the course of succession

Consumers can mediate the composition of plant communities and alter ecosystem processes. Although herbivores usually increase N availability in the short term, they might decrease it in the long term. I investigated the long-term effect of insect herbivores on leaf tissue quality and soil N availability in goldenrod (Solidago altissima) fields using two approaches: (1) I compared plots from which herbivores had been excluded for 17 years with adjacent plots that had experienced normal levels of herbivory, and (2) I examined a chronosequence of nine goldenrod fields representing three successional stages: early, middle, and late. These parallel approaches showed that, in the long term, herbivores decrease the quality of leaf litter and soil N availability in goldenrod fields. These long-term effects appear to compensate for various short-term effects that increase N availability in the soil (e.g., added frass, increased light penetration). Furthermore, herbivores decrease leaf litter quality and N availability by reducing the quality of leaf tissue within the same species. This pattern may result from insect herbivores preferentially grazing on plants with a high N content thereby increasing the amount of recalcitrant litter over the course of succession. Received: 4 May 1999 / Accepted: 24 September 1999     

缺磷条件下不同水稻品种磷素吸收特性的研究

缺磷条件下,供试粳稻品种植株的单株鲜重、干重、全磷含量和单株磷累积量等具有较大差异,从中筛选出磷高效品种TP309和优质8号,其中TP309较磷低效品种早88-1的全磷含量和单株磷累积量分别增加37.50%~40.00%和82.76%~102.00%。单株根数、平均根长和根系体积与单株磷素吸收量的相关程度较小,光合速率(Pn)、叶片可溶蛋白含量和叶片可溶性糖含量均表现为随着吸磷量的增加而不断增大。     

鼎湖山3种演替群落凋落物及其水分特征及对比研究

对鼎湖山3种演替群落凋落物及其水分特征研究表明,凋落物现存量为针叶林＞混交林＞阔叶林,年凋落量阔叶林＞混交林＞针叶林,说明针叶林凋落物分解较阔叶林迟缓,针叶林凋落物中叶所占的比例最大,而阔叶林最小,枝和花果所占的比例以阔叶林最大,针叶林最小,与它们的林木分枝多少以及林冠幅度大小有关,凋落物的最大持水率为针叶林＞混交林＞阔叶林,但差异不明显,凋落物含水量以阔叶林最大,混交林次之,针叶林最小,与凋落物最大持水率恰恰相反,说明凋落物的含水量受林地环境条件的制约,凋落物饱和含水时相对自由水面蒸发率阔叶林为78．95％,混交林为82．45％,针叶林为91．22％,说明在相同的环境条件下,阔叶林凋落物水分损失较难,而针叶林凋落物水分损失较容易,这也是阔叶林具有较小的最大持水量而却有较大叶林凋落物态含水量的原因之一。     

Phylogenetic analysis of the succession of bacterial communities in the Great South Bay (Long Island)

Bacterial community composition and succession were examined over the course of the summer season in the Great South Bay, Long Island, NY, USA, using a 16S rDNA clone library approach. There was a progression of changes in dominant species in the libraries during the summer of 1997. The July library had several groups dominant, the SAR407 relatives of the alpha-Proteobacteria (24%) and the SAR86 (18%), sulfur-oxidizing symbiont relatives (8%) of the gamma-Proteobacteria, and unidentified Cytophaga-Flexibacter representatives (22%). In August, the Cytophaga-Flexibacter (Gelidibacter sp. and unidentified Cytophaga-Flexibacter representative) and Cyanobacteria (Synechococcus sp.) increased to 28% and 14%, respectively. High GC Gram-positives appeared at 18%, and beta-Proteobacteria (Ralstonia sp.) at 10%. By September these groups had either declined or were absent, while the SAR86 cluster, Pseudoalteromonas and Alteromonas of the gamma-Proteobacteria were dominant in the community (61%). The dominance of open ocean bacteria along with the presence of Aureococcus anophagefferens (Pelagophyceae) in July suggests possible open ocean coupling to bloom events. Many clones in this study were related to previously described clones from a wide distribution of marine environments, substantiating the cosmopolitan nature of pelagic bacteria. Only one isolated bacterium was closely related to 16S rDNA found in the August library.     

聚己二酸/对苯二甲酸丁二酯塑料地膜高效降解菌群筛选及其群落结构演替特征

【背景】以聚己二酸/对苯二甲酸丁二酯(PBAT)为主要成分的塑料地膜虽然是生物可降解的地膜,但是关于该塑料地膜降解的微生物菌群研究却较少。【目的】拟从不同环境样品中筛选可降解PBAT塑料地膜的微生物菌群。通过对其多次富集的菌群群落结构演替进行分析,明晰可降解PBAT塑料地膜的核心微生物。【方法】利用改良的SM无机盐培养基从不同环境样品中筛选可降解PBAT塑料地膜的微生物菌群;利用失重法测定菌群对PBAT塑料地膜降解的效率;利用16SrRNA基因高通量测序技术对其第5批次(G5)至第9批次(G9)富集的降解菌群的群落结构进行深入探讨;通过Pearson相关性分析方法对菌群不同菌属相对丰度变化和PBAT塑料地膜降解时间进行解析。【结果】从广州金发堆肥厂的堆肥样品中筛选到可完全降解PBAT塑料地膜的菌群,编号为SX。通过连续不断的转接富集,菌群SX对PBAT塑料地膜的降解速率显著提升。16SrRNA基因高通量测序结果显示第5批次(G5)至第9批次(G9)富集的PBAT塑料地膜降解菌群,厚壁菌门(Firmicutes)的相对丰度逐渐下降,而放线菌门(Actinobacteria)的相对丰度逐渐上升。硫磺色节杆菌(Arthrobactersulfureus)、红螺菌科(Rhodospirillaceae)和噬几丁质菌科(Chitinophagaceae)在随着转接富集过程中相对丰度逐渐升高而芽孢杆菌(Bacillussp.)的相对丰度显著降低。通过统计分析发现硫磺色节杆菌(Arthrobacter sulfureus)相对丰度升高与PBAT塑料地膜降解时间缩短显著相关(r=–0.927,P0.05)。【结论】筛选到PBAT塑料地膜高效降解菌群SX。通过连续不断的转接富集,菌群SX对PBAT塑料地膜的降解时间由28 d (第5批次,G5)降低到13 d (第9批次,G9)。通过对菌群群落结构的研究,发现随着菌群降解效率的提高,硫磺色节杆菌的所占相对丰度显著增加,说明其可能在PBAT塑料降解中发挥着关键作用。本研究为PBAT塑料地膜的降解提供了绿色高效环保的新途径和菌株资源,并为PBAT塑料地膜降解的机制研究奠定了基础。     

“氯敌鼠”防治对农田小哺乳动物群落结构的影响及群落演替分析

对不同防治对策下施用氯敌鼠作为杀鼠剂对农田小哺乳动物群落结构的影响进行了研究．结果表明,杀鼠剂对群落组成有很大影响,灭鼠时机、灭鼠次数不同,群落的反应也不同．秋季灭鼠,小哺乳动物数量逐年下降,３ 年后可达到较低密度．群落多样性也逐年下跌,且回升极弱．春季灭鼠,数量可持续在低水平,群落多样性较其它处理高,对化学灭鼠破坏的生物多样性有较强的恢复力．灭鼠频次的增加对小哺乳动物总体数量降低有强化作用．可以认为,化学灭鼠明显地降低了群落中小哺乳动物的密度,也降低了群落的多样性．促使小哺乳动物群落向着优势种突出、种类单调、群落稳定性差的方向演替．     

Recovery and succession in a multi-species tropical seagrass meadow following experimental disturbance: the role of sexual and asexual reproduction

Recolonisation and succession in a multi-species tropical seagrass meadow was examined by creating gaps (50×50 cm) in the meadow and manipulating the supply of sexual and asexual propagules. Measurements of leaf shoot density and estimates of above-ground biomass were conducted monthly to measure recovery of gaps between September 1995 and November 1997. Measurements of the seeds stored in the sediment (seed bank) and horizontal rhizome growth of colonising species were also conducted to determine their role in the recovery process.Asexual colonisation through horizontal rhizome growth from the surrounding meadow was the main mechanism for colonisation of gaps created in the meadow. The seed bank played no role in recolonisation of cleared plots. Total shoot density and above-ground biomass (all species pooled) of cleared plots recovered asexually to the level of the undisturbed controls in 10 and 7 months, respectively. There was some sexual recruitment into cleared plots where asexual colonisation was prevented but seagrass abundance (shoot density and biomass) did not reach the level of unmanipulated controls. Seagrass species did not appear to form seed banks despite some species being capable of producing long-lived seeds.The species composition of cleared plots remained different to the undisturbed controls throughout the 26-month experiment. Syringodium isoetifolium was a rapid asexual coloniser of disturbed plots and remained at higher abundances than in the control treatments for the duration of the study. S. isoetifolium had the fastest horizontal rhizome growth of species asexually colonising cleared plots (6.9 mm day⁻¹). Halophila ovalis was the most successful sexual coloniser but was displaced by asexually colonising species. H. ovalis was the only species observed to produce fruits during the study.Small disturbances in the meadow led to long-term (>2 years) changes in community composition. This study demonstrated that succession in tropical seagrass communities was not a deterministic process. Variations in recovery observed for different tropical seagrass communities highlighted the importance of understanding life history characteristics of species within individual communities to effectively predict their response to disturbance. A reproductive strategy involving clonal growth and production of long-lived, locally dispersed seeds is suggested which may provide an evolutionary advantage to plants growing in tropical environments subject to temporally unpredictable major disturbances such as cyclones.     

Adaptation dynamics and evolutionary rescue under sulfide selection in cyanobacteria: a comparative study between Microcystis aeruginosa and Oscillatoria sp. (cyanobacteria)

Experimental evolution studies using cyanobacteria as model organisms are scarce despite the role of cyanobacteria in the evolution of photosynthesis. Three different experimental evolution approaches have been applied to shed light on the sulfide adaptation process, which played a key role in the evolution of this group. We used a Microcystis aeruginosa sulfide‐sensitive strain, unable to grow above ~0.1 mM, and an Oscillatoria sp. strain, isolated from a sulfureous spa (~0.2 mM total sulfide). First, performing a fluctuation analysis design using the spa waters as selective agent, we proved that M. aeruginosa was able to adapt to this sulfide level by rare spontaneous mutations. Second, applying a ratchet protocol, we tested if the limit of adaptation to sulfide of the two taxa was dependent on their initial sulfide tolerance, finding that M. aeruginosa adapted to 0.4 mM sulfide, and Oscillatoria sp. to ~2 mM sulfide, twice it highest tolerance level. Third, using an evolutionary rescue approach, we observed that both speed of exposure to increasing sulfide concentrations (deterioration rate) and populations’ genetic variation determined the survival of M. aeruginosa at lethal sulfide levels, with a higher dependence on genetic diversity. In conclusion, sulfide adaptation of sensitive cyanobacterial strains is possible by rare spontaneous mutations and the adaptation limits depend on the sulfide level present in strain’s original habitat. The high genetic diversity of a sulfide‐sensitive strain, even at fast environmental deterioration rates, could increase its possibility of survival even to a severe sulfide stress.     

Nutrient additions generate prolific growth of Lyngbya majuscula (cyanobacteria) in field and bioassay experiments

Nutrients such as bioavailable iron, phosphorus and nitrogen have been hypothesised to stimulate nuisance blooms of the toxic, marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula. The current study used two laboratory based biological assay techniques to test whether the addition of iron, phosphorus and nitrogen enhanced L. majuscula growth. A three-way analysis of variance showed all nutrients stimulated L. majuscula filament growth and biomass under laboratory conditions, with organically chelated iron (FeEDTA)  phosphorus > nitrogen. An in situ field experiment was also conducted concurrently on naturally occurring L. majuscula in eastern Moreton Bay (Amity Banks), Australia, to determine any growth response to phosphorus and iron additions. Field results showed substantial and significant increases in biomass occurred with the addition of organically chelated iron and phosphorus (15.9 and 6.4 times the control, respectively)—confirming the laboratory responses to iron and phosphorus. Furthermore, results from the field and laboratory experiments were highly correlated, showing the applicability of results obtained in laboratory experiments to the natural environment. These results show that nutrients, particularly organically chelated iron, phosphorus and nitrogen can promote prolific growth of the bloom forming cyanobacterium L. majuscula. The current study shows that a precautionary approach should be taken to limit or reduce nutrient additions to streams, estuaries and coastal waters, otherwise the magnitude of L. majuscula blooms is likely to increase in Moreton Bay in the future.     

Detection and identification of oligopeptides in Microcystis (cyanobacteria) colonies: toward an understanding of metabolic diversity

Cyanobacteria and particularly Microcystis sp. (Chroococcales) are known to produce a multitude of peptide metabolites. Here we report on the mass spectral analysis of cyanobacterial peptides in individual colonies of Microcystis sp. collected in a drinking water reservoir. A total number of more than 90 cyanopeptides could be detected, 61 of which could be identified either as known peptides or new structural variants of known peptide classes. For 18 new peptides flat structures are proposed. New congeners differed from known ones mainly in chlorination (aeruginosins), methylation (microginins), or amino acid sequences (cyanopeptolins). The high number of peptides and especially the new peptides underline the capability of Microcystis strains as producers of a high diversity of potentially bioactive compounds.     

Halogenase genes in nonribosomal peptide synthetase gene clusters of Microcystis (cyanobacteria): sporadic distribution and evolution

Cyanobacteria of the genus Microcystis are known to produce secondary metabolites of large structural diversity by nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) pathways. For a number of such compounds, halogenated congeners have been reported along with nonhalogenated ones. In the present study, chlorinated cyanopeptolin- and/or aeruginosin-type peptides were detected by mass spectrometry in 17 out of 28 axenic strains of Microcystis. In these strains, a halogenase gene was identified between 2 genes coding for NRPS modules in respective gene clusters, whereas it was consistently absent when the strains produced only nonchlorinated corresponding congeners. Nucleotide sequences were obtained for 12 complete halogenase genes and 14 intermodule regions of gene clusters lacking a halogenase gene or containing only fragments of it. When a halogenase gene was found absent, a specific, identical excision pattern was observed for both synthetase gene clusters in most strains. A phylogenetic analysis including other bacterial halogenases showed that the NRPS-related halogenases of Microcystis form a monophyletic group divided into 2 subgroups, corresponding to either the cyanopeptolin or the aeruginosin peptide synthetases. The distribution of these peptide synthetase gene clusters, among the tested Microcystis strains, was found in relative agreement with their phylogeny reconstructed from 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer sequences, whereas the distribution of the associated halogenase genes appears to be sporadic. The presented data suggest that in cyanobacteria these prevalent halogenase genes originated from an ancient horizontal gene transfer followed by duplication in the cyanobacterial lineage. We propose an evolutionary scenario implying repeated gene losses to explain the distribution of halogenase genes in 2 NRPS gene clusters that subsequently defines the seemingly erratic production of halogenated and nonhalogenated aeruginosins and cyanopeptolins among Microcystis strains.     

城市土壤磷素特性及其与地下水磷浓度的关系

采集了8个南京市的城区土壤剖面及同位置地下水样品,进行了P素特性的研究,结果表明,城市土壤的全P,有效P和可溶性P含量分别为1．26－11．41g.kg^-1,19.48-166.74mg.kg^-1和0．5、－5．41mg.kg^-1,远高于相同地区的农业土壤,土壤有效P与全P呈极显著正相关,土壤可溶性P与全P,有效P的相关性达到极显著水平,而土壤有机C,全N与土壤全P,有效P,可溶性P不相关,城市地下水中溶解态P和总P的浓度分别为0．010－1．759mg/L^-1和0．079－1．876mg.L^-1,它们之间呈极显著相关性,地下水中溶解态P,总P浓度与土壤剖面全P,有效P,可溶性P的加权平均值的相关性达到极显著或显著水平。