Heavy metal uptake capacity of fresh water algae (Oedogonium westti) from aqueous solution: A mesocosm research

The green macroalgae present in freshwater ecosystems have attracted a great attention of the world scientists for removal of heavy metals from wastewater. In this mesocosm study, the uptake rates of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) by Oedogonium westi (O. westti) were measured. The equilibrium adsorption capabilities of O. westti were different for Cd, Ni, Cr, and Pb (0.974, 0.418, 0.620, and 0.261 mgg^–1, respectively) at 18°C and pH 5.0. Furthermore, the removal efficiencies for Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb were observed from 55–95%, 61–93%, 59–89%, and 61–96%, respectively. The highest removal efficiency was observed for Cd and Cr from aqueous solution at acidic pH and low initial metal concentrations. However, the removal efficiencies of Ni and Pb were higher at high pH and high concentrations of metals in aqueous solution. The results summarized that O. westti is a suitable candidate for removal of selected toxic heavy metals from the aqueous solutions.     

CHLOROPLAST MICROTUBULES IN OEDOGONIUM CAPILLIFORME (CHLOROPHYTA)1

Microtubular elements in the chloroplasts (chl-MTs) of Oedogonium capilliforme Wittrock were examined by conventional electron microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy. Chl-MTs were frequently seen in the terminal, convex, and concave peripheral regions of the chloroplasts. Each bundle of chl-MTs was composed of 2–25 tubular elements. Some chl-MTs were located in the stroma. Chl-MTs frequently bridged two areas of the envelope membrane near the apex of convex regions of chloroplasts. Some chl-MTs were closely associated with the envelope membrane via apparent anchors along their length. The distribution patterns of chl-MTs and their appearance suggest that chl-MTs are involved in the maintenance of the outer shape of chloroplasts. However, immunoelectron microscopy with an antibody against α-tubulin indicated that the chl-MTs are not composed of tubulin.     

FINE STRUCTURE OF DWARF MALES IN OEDOGONIUM PLUVIALE (CHLOROPHYCEAE)

Oedogonium pluviale Nordstedt is nannandrous, described as possessing single-celled dwarf males. In some studies the dwarf males appear to have a reduced, lens-shaped pedicular portion whose nature and structure remain unclear. The present study aims to: 1) establish whether dwarf males of O. pluviale are single- or two-celled, 2) describe the different developmental stages of dwarf males, and 3) understand the nature of the pedicular portion. Mitotic division of the dwarf male was observed, but neither upwards phycoplast migration nor synthesis of a gametangial cell wall occurred. Instead, the phycoplast and cell plate migrated downwards, producing a small pedicular portion whose content then degenerated. The antheridium occupied most of the dwarf male wall. Gametogenesis thus took place inside the wall of the young dwarf male (internal gametangium). Because the pedicular cell degenerated, we define this type of dwarf male as pseudo-single-celled to differentiate it from a true single-celled dwarf male. The antheridial nucleus underwent one mitotic division to give rise to two gametes. Instead of a true wall between gametes, mucilage condensed and was observed as a discrete layer that disappeared during gamete release.     

Submikroskopische Untersuchungen an Sonnen- und Schattenformen von Oedogonium cardiacum (Chlorophyta)

Die Grünalge Oedogonium cardiacum Wittrock wurde bei verschiedenen Intensitätsstufen von Weißlicht (8, 40 und 200 Mikroeinstein m^—2 sec^—1 = 500; 2500 und 12500 Lux; Kombination aus Leuchtstoffröhren mit warmweißem und weißem Licht) kultiviert, um die Ausbildung von ?Sonnen- und Schattenpflanzen” zu provozieren. Die Struktur des netzförmigen Cloroplasten und seine Abwandlungen unter Lichteinfluß wurden qualitativ und quantitative untersucht und im Zusammenhang mit dem Pigmentgehalt beschrieben. Die Größe des Chloroplasten ist bei verschiedenen Lichtbedingungen nicht modifiziert. Dagegen zeigt die Struktur, insbesondere des Lamellarsystems, erhebliche Unterschiede. Erstaunlicherweise ist es bei einer mittleren Lichtintensität von 40 μE am besten ausgebildet. Bei diesen Bedingungen sind auch die meisten zytoplasmatischen Invaginationen in den Pyrenoiden sichtbar. Die Neigung zur Partitionbildung der Thylakoide wächst dagegen erheblich bei hoher Lichtintensität. Gleichzeitig steigt der Anteil des Chlorophyll b am Gesamtpigmentgehalt. Hier wird eine allgemeine Struktur-Funktion-Beziehung sichtbar, welche auch für Höhere Pflanzen gilt. Insgesamt zeigen die Ergebnisse, daß auch Algen ontogenetisch ?Sonnenund Schattenindividuen” zu bilden vermögen und daß sie sich damit dem lokal herrschenden Lichtklima anpassen.     

CELL WALL CARBOHYDRATE EPITOPES IN THE GREEN ALGA OEDOGONIUM BHARUCHAE F. MINOR (OEDOGONIALES,CHLOROPHYTA)1

Cell wall changes in vegetative and suffultory cells (SCs) and in oogonial structures from Oedogonium bharuchae N. D. Kamat f. minor Vélez were characterized using monoclonal antibodies against several carbohydrate epitopes. Vegetative cells and SCs develop only a primary cell wall (PCW), whereas mature oogonial cells secrete a second wall, the oogonium cell wall (OCW). Based on histochemical and immunolabeling results, (1→4)‐β‐glucans in the form of crystalline cellulose together with a variable degree of Me‐esterified homogalacturonans (HGs) and hydroxyproline‐rich glycoprotein (HRGP) epitopes were detected in the PCW. The OCW showed arabinosides of the extensin type and low levels of arabinogalactan‐protein (AGP) glycans but lacked cellulose, at least in its crystalline form. Surprisingly, strong colabeling in the cytoplasm of mature oogonia cells with three different antibodies (LM‐5, LM‐6, and CCRC‐M2) was found, suggesting the presence of rhamnogalacturonan I (RG‐I)–like structures. Our results are discussed relating the possible functions of these cell wall epitopes with polysaccharides and O‐glycoproteins during oogonium differentiation. This study represents the first attempt to characterize these two types of cell walls in O. bharuchae, comparing their similarities and differences with those from other green algae and land plants. This work represents a contribution to the understanding of how cell walls have evolved from simple few‐celled to complex multicelled organisms.     

Treatment of textile effluents with Pistia stratiotes,Eichhornia crassipes and Oedogonium sp.

Abstract

Phytoremediation by aquatic macrophytes is a promising technology with higher efficiency and no energy consumption. For this purpose, two macrophytes (Pistia stratiotes, Eichhornia crassipes), and an alga (Oedogonium sp.) were used to treat textile effluents rich in COD, BOD, dyes, and heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Cd, Cu). The aim of the study was to focus on comparative phytoremediation potential of these species by their metal removal capability. During 7?days experiment (day 0–day 6), the results showed that Oedogonium sp. was the best for COD removal and decolorization. Eichhornia crassipes was the best for BOD and heavy metal removal and proves more efficient than Pistia stratiotes and Oedogonium sp. However, Pistia stratiotes was found to accumulate more concentrations of Pb and Fe than Eichhornia stratiotes.     

Epiplastidial tubules inOedogonium cardiacum

Summary Rope-like structures with a diameter of about 30×50 nm occur at the cytoplasmic site of the chloroplast envelope ofOedogonium cardiacum. They seem to consist of a central tubule with surrounding electron-dense fuzzy material. The possible significance of these structures is discussed.