Effects of the bacterial algicide IRI-160AA on cellular morphology of harmful dinoflagellates

The algicide, IRI-160AA, induces mortality in dinoflagellates but not other species of algae, suggesting that a shared characteristic or feature renders this class of phytoplankton vulnerable to the algicide. In contrast to other eukaryotic species, the genome of dinoflagellates is stabilized by high concentrations of divalent cations and transition metals and contains large amounts of DNA with unusual base modifications. These distinctions set dinoflagellates apart from other phytoplankton and suggest that the nucleus may be a dinoflagellate-specific target for IRI-160AA. In this study, morphological and ultrastructural changes in three dinoflagellate species, Prorocentrum minimum, Karlodinium veneficum and Gyrodinium instriatum, were evaluated after short-term exposure to IRI-160AA using super resolution structured illumination microscopy (SR-SIM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Exposure to the algicide resulted in cytoplasmic membrane blebbing, differing chloroplast morphologies, nuclear expansion, and chromosome expulsion and/or destabilization. TEM analysis showed that chromosomes of algicide-treated K. veneficum appeared electron dense with fibrous protrusions. In algicide-treated P. minimum and G. instriatum, chromosome decompaction occurred, while for P. minimum, nuclear expulsion was also observed for several cells. Results of this investigation demonstrate that exposure to the algicide destabilizes dinoflagellate chromosomes, although it was not clear if the nucleus was the primary target of the algicide or if the observed effects on chromosomal structure were due to downstream impacts. In all cases, changes in cellular morphology and ultrastructure were observed within two hours, suggesting that the algicide may be an effective and rapid approach to mitigate dinoflagellate blooms.

Effects of TiO2 nanoparticles and sunscreens on coastal marine microalgae: Ultraviolet radiation is key variable for toxicity assessment

Given the large numbers of sunbathers on beaches, sunscreen compounds are being released into the coastal aquatic environment in significant amounts. Until now the effect of these potential pollutants on microbiota has been not well-known. Phytoplankton is a key component of the microbiota community. It forms the basis of the aquatic trophic networks, and any change in the natural population of phytoplankton can affect the structure of aquatic biota. This paper describes an experiment performed outdoors (in natural sunlight conditions including ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and with UVR blocked) on mixed microalgae populations (four species from different key marine taxonomic groups, Nannochloropsis gaditana, Chaetoceros gracilis, Pleurochrysis roscoffensis and Amphidinium carterae), for three days, exposed to a range of concentrations of three commercial sunscreens (with variable TiO₂ concentrations: highest concentration for sunscreen C, followed by sunscreen A; and sunscreen B did not contain TiO₂ in its composition). With regard to UVR effect, in the absence of sunscreens, the most sensitive species is the centric diatom, Chaetoceros gracilis, and the least is Nannochloropsis gaditana; this last species presented the same behavior in the absence of UVR and with high sunscreen concentrations. The toxicity gradient obtained for sunscreens and nanoparticles under UVR is: TiO₂ NPs>Sunscreen C>Sunscreen A>Sunscreen B. The differential sensitivity of microalgae to sunscreens and TiO₂ NPs can produce a change in the dynamics of phytoplankton populations and provoke undesirable ecological effects (such as giving dinoflagellates more prominence). The effects of UVR, commonly neglected in bioassays, could alter the results in important ways and should be considered when performing environmentally-relevant bioassays. The toxicity mediated by hydrogen peroxide production associated with the concentration of TiO₂ NPs cannot be considered the only factor responsible for the toxicity: the organic compounds in the sunscreens must also be taken into account.

The influence of urea and nitrate nutrients on the bioavailability and toxicity of nickel to Prorocentrum donghaiense (Dinophyta) and Skeletonema costatum (Bacillariophyta)

Nitrogen nutrients and nickel(Ni) are ubiquitous in aquatic environments, and they are important for primary production of ocean ecosystem. This study examined the interaction of nitrogen nutrients (specifically urea and nitrate) and Ni on chlorophyll (Chl a) concentration and photosynthesis parameters values of Prorocentrum donghaiense and Skeletonema costatum. The data presented here indicate that low concentration of Ni for P. donghaiense and S. costatum can enhance both Chl a concentration and photosynthesis parameters values when grown in urea containing environment. Despite this increase there was also an observed depression in both species tested when incubated in high concentration of Ni for P. donghaiense and S. costatum regardless of incubating in urea or nitrate. Additionally, EC₅₀ values of Chl a and Fv/Fm for Ni at different time intervals were calculated in this study. These observations indicated that the Ni tolerance was higher in P. donghaiense as compared to S. costatum. The Ni tolerance of P. donghaiense incubated in urea was higher than that incubating in nitrate. The same phenomenon was not observed in S. costatum, which indicated that the influence of urea was dependent on the species investigated. Thus, urea input could impact Ni bioavailability and toxicity, and then affect the biodynamics thereafter.

Influence of acidification and eutrophication on physiological functions of Conticribra weissflogii and Prorocentrum donghaiense

Eutrophication and acidification have been the most concerned environmental problems in coastal ecosystem. However, their combined effect on coastal ecosystem function was unknown. Both diatom (Conticribra weissflogii) and dinoflagellate (Prorocentrum donghaiense) are used as coastal algal model. Seven parameters were determined for physiological function assessment, including cell density, chlorophyll a (Chl a), protein, malonaldehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, carbonic anhydrase (CA), and nitrate reductase (NR). The influence of nitrate (N) and phosphate (P) on MDA and CA in C. weissflogii was significant, and that on Chl a and protein in P. donghaiense were also significant. However, the influence of acidification on physiological functions was not significant. The effect of acidification could be intensified by coastal eutrophication. More importantly, the coexist influence of acidification and eutrophication on CA, NR and protein in C. weissflogii and MDA in P. donghaiense was significant. Both NR activity and Chl a content in P. donghaiense were positively correlated to N and P concentration when pH were 7.9 and 7.8, respectively. With simultaneous worsening of acidification and eutrophication, the cell growth of P. Donghaiense was accelerated more obviously than C. weissflogii, i.e., dinoflagellate was more adaptable than diatom, thus algal species distribution and abundance could be changed.

Preliminary analysis of allelochemicals produced by the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum

Marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum is known to exude allelochemicals with negative effects on Heterosigma akashiwo according to our previous study, while the information about the allelochemical compounds remains unknown. The present study dealt with isolation and analysis of the active substances released by P. tricornutum into the culture medium. Filtrate of P. tricornutum was extracted using ethyl acetate and chloroform respectively. The anti-algal fractions were isolated using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and screened using activity-guided fraction methods. Results demonstrated that fraction Ⅱ and Ⅵ showed significant allelopathic effect on H. akashiwo growth. Then the anti-algal activity fractions were analyzed preliminary using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS). An active compound was derived from fraction Ⅵ with the molecular weight of 578 and possible molecular formula of C₃₀H₃₈N₆O₆, which was speculated to be TYR-PRO-PHE-PRO-GLY-NH₂. a kind of glycinamides.

Symbiodinium sp. cells produce light-induced intra- and extracellular singlet oxygen, which mediates photodamage of the photosynthetic apparatus and has the potential to interact with the animal host in coral symbiosis

Coral bleaching is an important environmental phenomenon, whose mechanism has not yet been clarified. The involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated, but direct evidence of what species are involved, their location and their mechanisms of production remains unknown. Histidine-mediated chemical trapping and singlet oxygen sensor green (SOSG) were used to detect intra- and extracellular singlet oxygen ((1) O2 ) in Symbiodinium cultures. Inhibition of the Calvin-Benson cycle by thermal stress or high light promotes intracellular (1) O2 formation. Histidine addition, which decreases the amount of intracellular (1) O2 , provides partial protection against photosystem II photoinactivation and chlorophyll (Chl) bleaching. (1) O2 production also occurs in cell-free medium of Symbiodinium cultures, an effect that is enhanced under heat and light stress and can be attributed to the excretion of (1) O2 -sensitizing metabolites from the cells. Confocal microscopy imaging using SOSG showed most extracellular (1) O2 around the cell surface, but it is also produced across the medium distant from the cells. We demonstrate, for the first time, both intra- and extracellular (1) O2 production in Symbiodinium cultures. Intracellular (1) O2 is associated with photosystem II photodamage and pigment bleaching, whereas extracellular (1) O2 has the potential to mediate the breakdown of symbiotic interaction between zooxanthellae and their animal host during coral bleaching.

Inhibitory effect of polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUAs) on the growth of the toxic benthic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. ovata

Diatoms have been shown to produce and release a wide range of secondary metabolites that mediate interactions between individuals of different species. Among these compounds, different types of fatty acid derived long-chained polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUAs) have been related to multiple functions such as intra- or interspecific signals and adverse effect on the reproduction of marine organisms. Several studies have reported changes on growth, cell membrane permeability, flow cytometric properties and cell morphology in phytoplankton organisms exposed to PUAs, but little information is available on the effect of these compounds on benthic microalgae. Ostreopsis cf. ovata is a toxic benthic dinoflagellate which causes massive blooms along the Mediterranean coasts typically during the late summer period. In this study the effects of three toxic PUAs known to be produced by several algae (2E,4E-decadienal, 2E,4E-octadienal and 2E,4E-heptadienal) on the growth, cytological features and cell morphology of O. cf. ovata were investigated. Our results show a clear decrease of O. cf. ovata growth with longer-chain molecules than with shorter-chain ones, confirmed also by EC50 values calculated at 48h for 2E,4E-decadienal and 2E,4E-octadienal (6.6±1.5, 17.9±2.6μmolL(-1) respectively) and at 72h for 2E,4E-heptadienal (18.4±0.7μmolL(-1)). Moreover, morphological analysis highlighted up to 79% of abnormal forms of O. cf. ovata at the highest concentrations of 2E,4E-decadienal tested (9, 18 and 36μmolL(-1)), a gradual DNA degradation and an increase of lipid droplets with all tested PUAs. Further studies are needed to better clarify the interactions between diatoms and O. cf. ovata, especially on bloom-forming dynamics.

Rediscovering Chemical Gardens: Self-Assembling Cytocompatible Protein-Intercalated Silicate-Phosphate Sponge-Mimetic Tubules

The classic chemical garden experiment is reconstructed to produce protein-intercalated silicate-phosphate tubules that resemble tubular sponges. The constructs were synthesized by seeding calcium chloride into a solution of sodium silicate-potassium phosphate and gelatin. Sponge-mimetic tubules were fabricated with varying percentages of gelatin (0-15% w/v), in diameters ranging from 200 μm to 2 mm, characterized morphologically and compositionally, functionalized with biomolecules for cell adhesion, and evaluated for cytocompatibility. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis (EDS) experiments showed that the external surface of the tubules was relatively more amorphous in texture and carbon/protein-rich in comparison to the interior surface. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images indicate a network composed of gelatin incorporated into the inorganic scaffold. The presence of gelatin in the constructs was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to identify inorganic crystalline phases in the scaffolds that are mainly composed of Ca(OH)2, NaCl, and Ca2SiO4 along with a band corresponding to amorphous gelatin. Bioconjugation and coating protocols were developed to program the scaffolds with cues for cell adhesion, and the resulting constructs were employed for 3D cell culture of marine (Pyrocystis lunula) and mammalian (HeLa and H9C2) cell lines. The cytocompatibility of the constructs was demonstrated by live cell assays. We have successfully shown that these biomimetic materials can indeed support life; they serve as scaffolds that facilitate the attachment and assembly of individual cells to form multicellular entities, thereby revisiting the 350-year-old effort to link chemical gardens with the origins of life. Hybrid chemical garden biomaterials are programmable, readily fabricated and could be employed in tissue engineering, biomolecular materials development, 3D mammalian cell culture and by researchers investigating the origins of multicellular life.

Inhibitory mechanism of phthalate esters on Karenia brevis

The occurrence of phthalate esters (PAEs), a class of widely used and environmentally prevalent chemicals, raises concern to environmental and human health globally. The PAEs have been demonstrated to inhibit algae growth, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this research, diethyl ortho-phthalate (DEP), diallyl phthalate (DAP), di-n-butyl ortho-phthalate (DBP), di-iso-butyl ortho-phthalate, and benzyl-n-butyl ortho-phthalate (BBP) were screened from 11 species of PAEs to study their inhibitory effects on Karenia brevis and determine their target sites on algae. With increasing the alkyl chains of these five PAEs, the values of EC50,96h decreased. The content of malondialdehyde increased with the continuous accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the algae cells. Moreover, the superoxide dismutase and catalase contents were first activated and then inhibited. The ultrastructures of Karenia brevis cells were detected by transmission electron microscopy, and cells treated with PAEs exhibiting distorted shapes and large vacuoles. Thus, the algae were damaged by ROS accumulation, resulting in lipid oxidation and algal growth inhibition. The inhibitors of the electron transport chain showed that the sites of ROS production and accumulation in K. brevis cells under DEP and BBP were the mitochondria and chloroplast, respectively. Moreover, the target sites of DAP and DBP were both the chloroplast and mitochondria. These results are useful for controlling PAEs contamination in and revealing the fate of PAEs in aquatic ecosystem.

Growth and toxin production of Azadinium poporum strains in batch cultures under different nutrient conditions

Azaspiracid-2 (AZA2) is the dominant toxin produced by Azadinium poporum strains AZDY06 and AZFC22 isolated from the South China Sea. Biomass and AZA2-production were examined within batch cultures with variation in experimental concentrations of nitrate (0, 88, 882, and 2647µM) or phosphate (0, 3.6, 36, and 109µM), different nitrogen sources (nitrate and urea) and media (f/2-Si, L1-Si, and K-Si) in the present study. Growth of both strains positively responded to nitrate or phosphate nutrients, but the growth status was significantly repressed by the highest additional level of phosphate (109µM). Both AZDY06 and AZFC22 grew well with higher specific growth rates, but with shorter growth periods, within f/2-Si medium spiked with urea than that within media spiked with nitrate. L1-Si medium with relatively high concentrations of trace metals was relatively favorable to both strains of A. poporum tested here. No obvious change within the toxin profile occurred in all cultures of both strains under the various nutrient conditions, although trace amounts of some suspicious derivatives of AZA2 occurred in some cultures. AZA2 cell quotas within both strains significantly (p<0.05) increased at the stationary phase under lower additional phosphate (0 and 3.6µM). Significant differences were not found within AZA2 cell quotas in cultures with additional nitrate ranging from 0 to 2647µM. The highest AZA2 cell quota and maximum AZA2 quantity per culture volume occurred in batch culture at the stationary phase under phosphate concentrations at 3.6µM. Neither A. poporum strain exhibited significant changes in AZA2 cell quotas within f/2-Si media spiked with urea or nitrate as nitrogen sources. The AZA2 cell quota of strain AZDY06 also did not change remarkably within f/2-Si, L1-Si, and K-Si media, however the AZA2 cell quota of strain AZFC22 within L1-Si medium was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that within f/2-Si medium.

Removal of Two Species of Harmful Algae Using Gramine Modified Montmorillonite

A series of gramine modified montmorillonites (gramine-MMTs) were prepared and characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction and zeta potential measurements. These modified clays with various amounts of gramine all exhibited higher removal efficiencies of both Chattonella marina and Alexandrium tamarense than did natural clay. With the augmentation of gramine content in the modified clays, the removal efficiency increased. The 24 h LC50 values of gramine-MMT with 12.68 % of gramine on C. marina and A. tamarense were 9.16 and 10.21 mg L(-1), respectively. These data suggest gramine-MMT might be a promising material to remediate harmful algal blooms.

Differential Growth Responses of Marine Phytoplankton to Herbicide Glyphosate

Glyphosate is a globally popular herbicide to kill weeds and its wide applications may lead to accumulation in coastal oceans as a source of phosphorus (P) nutrient or growth inhibitor of phytoplankton. We studied the physiological effects of glyphosate on fourteen species representing five major coastal phytoplankton phyla (haptophyta, bacillariophyta, dinoflagellata, raphidophyta, and chlorophyta). Based on growth responses to different concentrations of glyphosate under contrasting dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) conditions, we found that phytoplankton species could be classified into five groups. Group I (Emiliania huxleyi, Skeletonema costatum, Phaeodactylum tricornutum) could utilize glyphosate as sole P-source to support growth in axenic culture, but in the presence of DIP, they were inhibited by both 36-μM and 360-μM glyphosate. Group II (Karenia mikimotoi, Prorocentrum minimum, Dunaliella tertiolecta, Symbiodinium sp., Heterosigma akashiwo and Alexandrium catenella) could not utilize glyphosate as sole P-source to support growth, and in the presence of DIP growth was not affected by 36-μM but inhibited by 360-μM glyphosate. Glyphosate consistently enhanced growth of Group III (Isochrysis galbana) and inhibited Group IV (Thalassiosira weissflogii, Thalassiosira pseudonana and Chattonella marina) regardless of DIP condition. Group V (Amphidinium carterae) exhibited no measurable response to glyphosate regardless of DIP condition. This grouping is not congruent with the phylogenetic relationships of the phytoplankton species suggesting functional differentiation driven by environmental pressure. We conclude that glyphosate could be used as P-source by some species while is toxic to some other species and yet has no effects on others. The observed differential effects suggest that the continued use of glyphosate and increasing concentration of this herbicide in the coastal waters will likely exert significant impact on coastal marine phytoplankton community structure.

Acute toxicity assessment of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) on the oxygen flux of the dinoflagellate Gymnodinium instriatum

Despite the ubiquitous occurrence of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) in aquatic systems, assessments evaluating the toxicity of DEET on phytoplankton species are summed to a single study on a unicellular green alga. In particular, the toxicological effects of DEET in dinoflagellates are unknown. In this study, we employed the mixotrophic dinoflagellate Gymnodinium instriatum as a study system to evaluate acute effects of DEET on the oxygen flux of laboratory cultures. This study reports an inhibitory reaction model of DEET described by the equation y = 4.99x(0.54), where y represents the percent inhibition of oxygen flux and x represents DEET concentration in mg L(−1) (r(2) = 0.98). Based on this model, the effective concentration of DEET needed to reduce O2 flux by 50% (EC50) for this species was found to be at 72.9 mg L(−1). The reported EC50 is more than five times lower than the EC50 reported previously for the unicellular green algae Chlorella protothecoides. This study raises the question of the potential toxicological effects of DEET in dinoflagellates, in particular those populations inhabiting systems characterized by low water circulation such as enclosed bays and lagoons.

Effects of Biocide Chlorine on Biochemical Responses of the Dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum

Effects of the biocide sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum were assessed. Growth rate, pigment concentrations, and chlorophyll autofluorescence were monitored up to 72 hours after NaOCl exposure, and these parameters showed dose- and time-dependent decrease. The 72-hour EC₅₀ was 0.983 mg/L. Additionally, enzymatic activities of lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione were significantly altered with increasing NaOCl and exposure time. Thus, NaOCl at doses of 0.5 mg/L induces physiological and biochemical changes in P. minimum, suggesting that chlorine concentrations observed in power plant discharges and in drinking water systems are potentially detrimental to microalgae.

A novel cyclophilin gene from the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum and its possible role in the environmental stress response

Cyclophilins (CYPs) are a family of proteins that bind to cyclosporine and are thought to be involved in the stress response. In dinoflagellate algae, CYPs may function as a survival strategy in cells exposed to environmental stressors. Here, we identified a novel cyclophilin gene (referred to as PmCYP, comprising a 516-bp open reading frame, encoding a 171-aa protein with a molecular mass of 17.5kDa) from the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum, and evaluated the role of dinoflagellate CYP in cells exposed to environmental pollutants copper and polychlorinated biphenyl. In addition, we assessed the cytoprotective role of nitric oxide in relation to the expression of PmCYP. These stressors strongly affected the physiology of the cells, as judged by cell counting, reactive oxygen species (ROS) imaging, and photosynthetic parameters (Fv/Fm and PIABS). PmCYP expression was significantly (P<0.05) induced upon exposure of the cells to all the test pollutants used in this study. These clearly indicate that PmCYP plays a vital role in the oxidative stress response in dinoflagellate survival, although the gene was initially known only for its housekeeping function.

[Isolation, Purification and Identification of Antialgal Activity Substances of Ethyl Acetate Extracts from the Submerged Macrophytes Potamogeton crispus]

Previous studies showed that ethyl acetate extracts from the submerged macrophytes Potamogeton crispus can significantly inhibit the growth of Karenia mikimitoi. Further, two antialgal activity compounds (1-2) were successfully isolated from this submerged macrophytes through a combination of silica gel column chromagraphy and repeated preparative thin-layer chromatography in this paper. These two antialgal activity compounds exhibited antialgal active against Karenia mikimitoi. Furthermore, their structure were identified on the basis of spectroscopic data: one flavonid named Trichodermatides B, and one alkaloid named 2-methylheptylisonicotinate. These two compounds were for the first time isolated from both Potamogeton crispus and submerged macrophytes.

Combined thermal and herbicide stress in functionally diverse coral symbionts

Most reef building corals rely on symbiotic microalgae (genus Symbiodinium) to supply a substantial proportion of their energy requirements. Functional diversity of different Symbiodinium genotypes, endorsing the host with physiological advantages, has been widely reported. Yet, the influence of genotypic specificity on the symbiont's susceptibility to contaminants or cumulative stressors is unknown. Cultured Symbiodinium of presumed thermal-tolerant clade D tested especially vulnerable to the widespread herbicide diuron, suggesting important free-living populations may be at risk in areas subjected to terrestrial runoff. Co-exposure experiments where cultured Symbiodinium were exposed to diuron over a thermal stress gradient demonstrated how fast-growing clade C1 better maintained photosynthetic capability than clade D. The mixture toxicity model of Independent Action, considering combined thermal stress and herbicide contamination, revealed response additivity for inhibition of photosynthetic yield in both tested cultures, emphasizing the need to account for cumulative stressor impacts in ecological risk assessment and resource management.

Inhibitory effects and oxidative target site of dibutyl phthalate on Karenia brevis

The inhibitory action and possible damage mechanism of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) on the red tide algae Karenia brevis were investigated. The results showed that the algae experienced oxidative stress after exposure to 5mgL(-1) DBP. Malondialdehyde (MDA) peaked after 72h, with a value approximately 2.3 times higher than that observed for untreated cells. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities significantly increased as an adaptive reaction after 48h. DBP induced the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the OH concentration showed a peak of 33UmL(-1) at 48h, and the highest H2O2 content was approximately 250nmol/10(7) cells at 72h; these latter two values were 2.5 and 4.4 times higher than observed for the control, respectively. TEM images showed that a number of small vacuoles or apical tubers were commonly found around the cell membrane, and the membrane structure was ultimately disintegrated. Further experiments were carried out to locate the original ROS production sites following DBP exposure. The activity of CuZn-SOD (a mainly cytosolic isoform, with some also found in chloroplasts) under DBP exposure was approximately 2.5 times higher than the control, whereas the Mn-SOD (mitochondrial isoform) activity was significantly inhibited. No significant difference was observed in the activity of Fe-SOD (chloroplastic isoform). In addition, dicumarol (an inhibitor of the electron transport chain in the plasma membrane) stimulated DBP-induced ROS production, whereas rotenone (an inhibitor of the mitochondria electron transport chain complex I) decreased DBP-induced ROS production. These results suggested that mitochondria could be the main target sites for DBP attack.

[Algicidal effect of (2-isobutoxyphenyl) amine on Alexandrium tamarense]

OBJECTIVE

A strain named BS01 showed strong algicidal activity to Alexandrium tamarense and we got algicidal compound (2-isobutoxyphenyl) amine from BS01 to study its algicidal effect on A. tamarense.

METHODS

We studied the algicidal mechanism of (2-isobutoxyphenyl) amine on photosynthetic process, antioxidant enzyme activities and morphological change of A. tamarense.

RESULTS

After 24 hours treatment with (2-isobutoxyphenyl) amine, algicidal activity was 84. 1% with the concentration of 20 µg/mL. The compound could induce a reactive oxygen species burst in P. globosa in 0. 5 hours which could cause serious oxidative damage to algal cells. The Fv/Fm value which could reflect photosystem II (PS II) electron flow status also decreased. To eliminate the excess ROS, the activities of the antioxidant systems (including superoxide dismutase and catalase) increased significantly during exposure. Transmission electron microscope analysis showed obvious morphological modifications of chloroplast dismantling as a part of the algicidal process.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that the lysis mechanism of algicidal compound on algae may primarily be the increasing level of ROS in the algal cells.

Sesamol Enhances Cell Growth and the Biosynthesis and Accumulation of Docosahexaenoic Acid in the Microalga Crypthecodinium cohnii

Sesamol is a strong antioxidant phenolic compound found in sesame seed. It possesses the ability to scavenge intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to inhibit malic enzyme activity and NADPH supply, resulting possibly in cell proliferation and alteration in the fatty acid composition. In the present study, the effect of sesamol on the growth and accumulation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was investigated in the marine microalga Crypthecodinium cohnii, a prolific producer of DHA. C. cohnii showed a great decrease in the intracellular ROS level with the addition of sesamol. In contrast, the biomass concentration, DHA content (% of total fatty acids), and DHA productivity were significantly increased by 44.20, 11.25, and 20.00%, respectively (P < 0.01). Taken together, this work represents the first report of employing sesamol for enhanced production of DHA by C. cohnii, providing valuable insights into this alga for future biotechnological applications.

The first evidence of deinoxanthin from Deinococcus sp. Y35 with strong algicidal effect on the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) could be deemed hazardous materials in aquatic environment. Alexandrium tamarense is a toxic HAB causing alga, which causes serious economic losses and health problems. In this study, the bacterium Deinococcus xianganensis Y35 produced a new algicide, showing a high algicidal effect on A. tamarense. The algicidal compound was identified as deinoxanthin, a red pigment, based on high resolution mass spectrometry and NMR after the active compound was isolated and purified. Deinoxanthin exhibited an obvious inhibitory effect on algal growth, and showed algicidal activity against A. tamarense with an EC50 of 5.636 μg/mL with 12h treatment time. Based on the unique structure and characteristics of deinoxanthin, the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased after 0.5h exposure, the structure of organelles including chloroplasts and mitochondria were seriously damaged. All these results firstly confirmed that deinoxanthin as the efficient and eco-environmental algicidal compound has potential to be used for controlling harmful algal blooms through overproduction of ROS.

Screening of high phytotoxicity priority pollutants and their ecological risk assessment in China's surface waters

The protection of aquatic plants has received less attention in ecological risk assessment of pollutants compared with animals. Some pollutants like herbicide, however, are more toxic to aquatic plants than to animals. Aquatic toxicity data of 126 priority pollutants were screened and analyzed in this study. Through data analysis, five priority pollutants namely 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA), 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) were identified to have high phytotoxicity effect. The most sensitive aquatic plants to these five pollutants are all alage, including Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Gymnodinium breve. The water quality criteria concentration of the five pollutants were derived by the species sensitivity distribution method. The acute criteria concentration for the five pollutants were derived to be 1474, 2180, 54.41, 98.52 and 520.4 μg L(-1), and the chronic criteria concentration for them were 147.4, 218.0, 5.441, 9.852 and 52.04 μg L(-1), respectively. For China's freshwater bodies, the results of ecological risk assessment based on the derived criteria showed that, for the selected pollutants except DBP, there were basically no significant risk in most of the studied water bodies. DBP showed apparent ecological risks in all of the studied water bodies, particularly in the middle Yellow River, the Xuanwu Lake, the Yuehu Lake, etc. Field monitoring data of the Liao River and the Taihu Lake showed that DBP had moderate risks in some of the sampling sites of both the watersheds, while BBP posed moderate risks only on a few sites of the Liao River.

Antioxidant enzymes are induced by phenol in the marine microalga Lingulodinium polyedrum

Knowing the impacts of different anthropogenic activities on ecosystems promotes preservation of aquatic organisms. Aiming to facilitate the identification of polluted or contaminated areas, the study of microalga Lingulodinium polyedrum in phenol-containing medium comprises the determination of toxic and metabolic phenol effects, featuring a possible use of this microorganism as bioindicator for this pollutant. Marine microalga L. polyedrum exposure to phenol increases superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. The 20% and 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC20 and IC50) of cells exposed to phenol were 40 μmol L(-1) and 120 μmol L(-1), respectively. Phenol biodegradation by L. polyedrum was 0.02 μmol h(-1)cell(-1), and its biotransformation was catalyzed by glutathione S-transferase (GST), phenol hydroxylase and catechol 2,3-dihydroxygenase metabolic pathways. Phenol exposure produced the metabolites 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde acid, 1,2-dihydroxybenzene (catechol), and 2-oxo-4-pentenoic acid; also, it induced the activity of key antioxidant biomarker enzymes SOD and CAT by three folds compared to that in the controls. Further, phenol decreased the glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG), highlighting the effective glutathione oxidation in L. polyedrum. Overall, our results suggest that phenol alters microalga growth conditions and microalgae are sensitive bioindicators to pollution by phenol in marine environments.

Chloroplast and oxygen evolution changes in Symbiodinium sp. as a response to latrunculin and butanedione monoxime treatments under various light conditions

The actin cytoskeleton is a dynamic structure that provides an interactive platform for organelles and cellular components. It also serves as track for membranes and vesicles that move via myosin. The actin cytoskeleton of Symbiodinium is a well-organized reticular structure suggestive of multiple membrane interactions, very likely including those of the chloroplast. The Symbiodinium chloroplast membrane network is, in turn, a highly organized structure, suggestive of being under the control of an organizing network. We visualized the chloroplast membranes of cultured Symbiodinium sp. under various light conditions and observed changes dependent on illumination intensity. Since we suspected interaction between these two organelles, and we knew that the Symbiodinium actin cytoskeleton collapses upon treatment with either latrunculin B, an actin microfilament-disrupting agent, or butanedione monoxime, a myosin function inhibitor, we tested the Symbiodinium sp. oxygen evolution in their presence. Upon latrunculin B addition, the oxygen production decreased compared to non-treated cells; however, this was not observed after a 24 h latrunculin treatment. On the contrary, butanedione monoxime treatment caused a non-recoverable dysfunction of the chloroplast causing a severe loss in oxygen production even after long-term exposure. Using electron microscopy, we observed an alteration of the Symbiodinium sp. chloroplast distribution after latrunculin B treatment, with respect to untreated cells. Furthermore, a thorough disorganization of the chloroplast grana was observed after butanedione monoxime treatment. These data suggest that an actomyosin system would be important for chloroplast organization and distribution, and critical for normal photosynthetic function of Symbiodinium sp.

The impact of fluctuating light on the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum micans depends on NO3(-) and CO2 availability

Increasing atmospheric pCO2 and its dissolution into oceans leads to ocean acidification and warming, which reduces the thickness of upper mixing layer (UML) and upward nutrient supply from deeper layers. These events may alter the nutritional conditions and the light regime to which primary producers are exposed in the UML. In order to better understand the physiology behind the responses to the concomitant climate changes factors, we examined the impact of light fluctuation on the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum micans grown at low (1 μmol L(-1)) or high (800 μmol L(-1)) [NO3(-)] and at high (1000 μatm) or low (390 μatm, ambient) pCO2. The light regimes to which the algal cells were subjected were (1) constant light at a photon flux density (PFD) of either 100 (C100) or 500 (C500) μmol m(-2) s(-1) or (2) fluctuating light between 100 or 500 μmol photons m(-2) s(-1) with a frequency of either 15 (F15) or 60 (F60) min. Under continuous light, the initial portion of the light phase required the concomitant presence of high CO2 and NO3(-) concentrations for maximum growth. After exposure to light for 3h, high CO2 exerted a negative effect on growth and effective quantum yield of photosystem II (F'(v)/F'(m)). Fluctuating light ameliorated growth in the first period of illumination. In the second 3h of treatment, higher frequency (F15) of fluctuations afforded high growth rates, whereas the F60 treatment had detrimental consequences, especially when NO3(-) concentration was lower. F'(v)/F'(m) respondent differently from growth to fluctuating light: the fluorescence yield was always lower than at continuous light at 100 μmol m(-2) s(-1), and always higher at 500 μmol m(-2) s(-1). Our data show that the impact of atmospheric pCO2 increase on primary production of dinoflagellate depends on the availability of nitrate and the irradiance (intensity and the frequency of irradiance fluctuations) to which the cells are exposed. The impact of global change on oceanic primary producers would therefore be different in waters with different chemical and physical (mixing) properties.