Estimation of chlorophyll content and daily primary production of the major algal groups by means of multiwavelength-excitation PAM chlorophyll fluorometry: performance and methodological limits

Light quality regulates growth and flavonoid content in a widespread forest understorey medicinal species Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi

Introduction

Introduction: Light is not only essential for plant photosynthesis and growth, but also acts as a signal to regulate its secondary metabolism. Despite the influence of light quality on the yield and flavonoid compounds in commercial crops is well-documented, its role in regulating wild understorey species, particularly medicine plants whose flavonoid biosynthesis driven by multiple spectral regions of canopy sunlight, is less understood.

Methods

To address it, we conducted a light-quality manipulation experiment on Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a widespread understorey medicinal species, with light-emitting diodes (LED). This study included eight treatments: UV-A (UV-A radiation), CK (control group), Green (monochromatic green light), and different combinations of blue and red light (R0B4: monochromatic blue light; R1B3: 25% Red+75% Blue light; R1B1: 50% Red+50% Blue light; R3B1: 75% Red+25% Blue light; R4B0: monochromatic red light).

Results

Our results showed that light quality significantly drove morphology, biomass accumulation, and flavonoids biosynthesis in S. baicalensis. R0B4 treatment promoted growth and flavonoids accumulation, including baicalin, and wogonoside concentrations. In contrast, UV-A radiation and green light negatively impacted these parameters compared to CK treatment. Interestingly, plant biomass and flavonoid concentrations were lower in R1B3, R1B1 and R3B1 treatments compared to monochromatic blue or red light.

Discussion

Our study found that red light may antagonize blue light-stimulated growth and flavonoids accumulation, indicating a complex crosstalk between photoreceptors. These findings highlight the importance of blue light for optimizing the yield and quality of S. baicalensis in the understorey cultivation. It provides practice suggestion for the efficient management and sustainable cultivation of understorey medicinal plants.

Photophysiological and Oxidative Responses of the Symbiotic Estuarine Anemone Anthopleura hermaphroditica to the Impact of UV Radiation and Salinity: Field and Laboratory Approaches

The estuarine anemone Anthopleura hermaphroditica and its symbiont Philozoon anthopleurum are continuously exposed to intense fluctuations in solar radiation and salinity owing to tidal changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the tidal cycle, solar radiation, and salinity fluctuations on the photosynthetic and cellular responses (lipid peroxidation, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity) of the symbiont complex over a 24 h period in the Quempillén River Estuary. Additionally, laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the specific photobiological responses to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and salinity. Our field results showed that the photosynthetic parameters of the symbiont complex decreased with increasing ambient radiation; however, no relationship was observed with changes in salinity. Increased peroxidative damage, total phenolic compound levels, and antioxidant activity were mainly related to increased UVR and, to a lesser extent, PAR. During the dark period, only PAR-exposed organisms returned to the basal levels of photosynthesis and cell damage. Laboratory exposure confirmed the deleterious effects of UVR on the photosynthetic response. The present study suggests that the ability of A. hermaphroditica to acclimate to natural radiation stress is mediated by the concerted action of various physiological mechanisms that occur at different times of the day, under varying levels of environmental stress.

Effects of clarithromycin exposure on the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa and the production of algal dissolved organic matter

Antibiotics are commonly found in the aquatic environment, which can affect microbial community compositions and activities, and even have potential adverse impacts on human and ecosystem health. The current understanding of the effects of antibiotics on microalgae growth and algal dissolved organic matter (DOM) remains indistinct. To understand the toxic effects of antibiotics on the microalgae, Microcystis aeruginosa was exposed to clarithromycin (CLA) in this study. Cell density determination, chlorophyll content determination, and organic spectrum analysis were conducted to show the effect of CLA exposure on the growth, photosynthetic activity, and organic metabolic processes of Microcystis aeruginosa. The findings revealed that the physiological status of algae could be significantly influenced by CLA exposure in aquatic environments. Specifically, exposure to 1 μg/L CLA stimulated the growth and photosynthetic activity of algal cells. Conversely, CLA above 10 μg/L led to the inhibition of algal cell growth and photosynthesis. Notably, the inhibitory effects intensified with the increasing concentration of CLA. The molecular weight of DOM produced by Microcystis aeruginosa increased when exposed to CLA. Under the exposure of 60 μg/L CLA, a large number of algal cells ruptured and died, and the intracellular organic matter was released into the algal liquid. This resulted in an increase in high molecular weight substances and soluble microbial-like products in the DOM. Exposure to 1 and 10 μg/L CLA stimulated Microcystis aeruginosa to produce more humic acid-like substances, which may be a defense mechanism against CLA. The results were useful for assessing the effects of antibiotic pollution on the stability of the microalgae population and endogenous DOM characteristics in aquatic ecosystems.

Using a Novel Multiplexed Algal Cytological Imaging (MACI) Assay and Machine Learning as a Way to Characterize Complex Phenotypes in Plant-Type Organisms

High-throughput phenotypic profiling assays, popular for their ability to characterize alternations in single-cell morphological feature data, have been useful in recent years for predicting cellular targets and mechanisms of action (MoAs) for different chemicals and novel drugs. However, this approach has not been extensively used in environmental toxicology due to the lack of studies and established methods for performing this kind of assay in environmentally relevant species. Here, we developed a multiplexed algal cytological imaging (MACI) assay, based on the subcellular structures of the unicellular microalgae, Raphidocelis subcapitata, a toxicology and ecological model species. Several different herbicides and antibiotics with unique MoAs were exposed to R. subcapitata cells, and MACI was used to characterize cellular impacts by measuring subtle changes in their morphological features, including metrics of area, shape, quantity, fluorescence intensity, and granularity of individual subcellular components. This study demonstrates that MACI offers a quick and effective framework for characterizing complex phenotypic responses to environmental chemicals that can be used for determining their MoAs and identifying their cellular targets in plant-type organisms.

Algicidal bacteria in phycosphere regulate free-living Symbiodinium fate via triggering oxidative stress and photosynthetic system damage

Free-living Symbiodinium, which forms symbiotic relationships with many marine invertebrates, plays an important role in the vast ocean. Nutrient levels have been shown to significantly impact microbial community structure and regulate algal communities. In this study, the bacterial community structure within the phycosphere of free-living Symbiodinium underwent significant changes in response to nutrient stimulation. Alteromonas exhibited dominance in Zobell 2216E broth nutrient stimulation concomitant with the demise of algal cells. Alteromonas abrolhosensis JY-JZ1, a marine bacterium isolated from the phycosphere of Symbiodinium, demonstrated an algicidal effect on Symbiodinium cells. Optical and scanning electron microscopy revealed that the algal cell membrane structure was disrupted, leading to intracellular leakage. Strain JY-JZ1 exerted its cytotoxicity by producing and secreting bioactive compounds into the supernatant. The marked declines in the chlorophyll a content, photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) and the electron transport rate (rETR) indicated that the photosynthetic system of Symbiodinium was damaged by JY-JZ1 supernatant. The observed elevation in levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) content suggested that the algal cells experienced oxidative stress. Moreover, the supernatant exhibited remarkable adaptability to temperature and pH. Additionally, it displayed exceptional algicidal efficacy against various harmful algae species. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first successful isolation of an algicidal bacterial strain from the phycosphere of free-living Symbiodinium and subsequent investigation into its mechanism for controlling Symbiodinium growth, thereby providing novel insights into algae-bacteria interactions. The remarkable algicidal efficacy exhibited by strain JY-JZ1 against other harmful algae species suggests its significant potential for harmful algal blooms (HABs) control.

Process Technologies of Cyanobacteria

Although the handling and exploitation of cyanobacteria is associated with some challenges, these phototrophic bacteria offer great opportunities for innovative biotechnological processes. This chapter covers versatile aspects of working with cyanobacteria, starting with up-to-date in silico and in vitro screening methods for bioactive substances. Subsequently, common conservation techniques and vitality/viability estimation methods are compared and supplemented by own data regarding the non-invasive vitality evaluation via pulse amplitude modulated fluorometry. Moreover, novel findings about the influence the state of the pre-cultures have on main cultures are presented. The following sub-chapters deal with different photobioreactor-designs, with special regard to biofilm photobioreactors, as well as with heterotrophic and mixotrophic cultivation modes. The latter topic provides information from literature on successfully enhanced cyanobacterial production processes, augmented by own data.

Processes and mechanisms of phosphorus mobility among sediment, water, and cyanobacteria under hydrodynamic conditions

Phosphorus (P) has an important role in eutrophication and it is essential to explore the processes and mechanisms of P mobility in natural waters. In this study, laboratory experiments were conducted to simulate the SW system (sediment and water) and SAW system (sediment, algae, and water) under four hydrodynamic intensity conditions (static control, 50 rpm, 125 rpm, and 200 rpm treatments), to investigate P mobility. Results in SW system showed that sediment was an important source of P for overlying water, and the released total P (TP) increased with stronger hydrodynamic intensity, when P associated with metal pools (redox-sensitive P [BD-P] and meta-oxides bound P [NaOH-P]) were the most unstable and easier to migrate into the overlying water. Stronger hydrodynamic disturbances could enhance the processes including sediment resuspension, dissolution of particles, and release of P, when P mobility had a close relationship with redox conditions near sediment-water interface (SWI). Therefore, the release of TP, BD-P, and NaOH-P from sediment increased and decreased in the control and 50-200 rpm treatments over time. In SAW system, the release of TP significantly increased from sediment comparing to SW system, and the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa could selectively enhance the release of BD-P, NaOH-P, and organic P (OP). Meanwhile, the released P from sediment was quickly accumulated by algal cells. The maximum accumulation ability of P by cells, the highest photosynthetic efficiency, and the best growth of M. aeruginosa were observed in 125 rpm treatment. But with excessively strong hydrodynamic intensity (200 rpm treatment), the accumulation ability of P and alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) of M. aeruginosa was suppressed, which might hinder algal utilization of P and inhibit algal growth. Overall, our findings demonstrated the patterns of P mobility in natural ecosystems and could contribute to the understanding of P cycling.

Photosynthesis and calcification of the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi are more sensitive to changed levels of light and CO2 under nutrient limitation

Photophysiological responses of phytoplankton to changing multiple environmental drivers are essential in understanding and predicting ecological consequences of ocean climate changes. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of two CO₂ levels (410 and 925 μatm) and five light intensities (80 to 480 μmol photons m^-2 s^-1) on cellular pigments contents, photosynthesis and calcification of the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi grown under nutrient replete and limited conditions, respectively. Our results showed that high light intensity, high CO₂ level and nitrate limitation acted synergistically to reduce cellular chlorophyll a and carotenoid contents. Nitrate limitation predominantly enhanced calcification rate; phosphate limitation predominantly reduced photosynthetic carbon fixation rate, with larger extent of the reduction under higher levels of CO₂ and light. Reduced availability of both nitrate and phosphate under the elevated CO₂ concentration decreased saturating light levels for the cells to achieve the maximal relative electron transport rate (rETR_max). Light-saturating levels for rETR_max were lower than that for photosynthetic and calcification rates under the nutrient limitation. Regardless of the culture conditions, rETR under growth light levels correlated linearly and positively with measured photosynthetic and calcification rates. Our findings imply that E. huxleyi cells acclimated to macro-nutrient limitation and elevated CO₂ concentration decreased their light requirement to achieve the maximal electron transport, photosynthetic and calcification rates, indicating a photophysiological strategy to cope with CO₂ rise/pH drop in shoaled upper mixing layer above the thermocline where the microalgal cells are exposed to increased levels of light and decreased levels of nutrients.

Similar toxicity mechanisms between graphene oxide and oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes in Microcystis aeruginosa

In photosynthetic microorganisms, the toxicity of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) is typically characterized by a decrease in growth, viability, photosynthesis, as well as the induction of oxidative stress. However, it is currently unclear how the shape of the carbon structure in CNMs, such as in the 1-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) compared to the two-dimensional graphene oxide (GO), affects the way they interact with cells. In this study, the effects of GO and oxidized multi-walled CNTs were compared in the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa to determine the similarities or differences in how the two CNMs interact with and induce toxicity to cyanobacteria. Using change in Chlorophyll a concentrations, the effective concentrations inducing 50% inhibition (EC₅₀) at 96 h are found to be 11.1 μg/mL and 7.38 μg/mL for GO and CNTs, respectively. The EC₅₀ of the two CNMs were not found to be statistically different. Changes in fluorescein diacetate and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescence, measured at the EC₅₀ concentrations, suggest a decrease in esterase enzyme activity but no oxidative stress. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy imaging did not show extensive membrane damage in cells exposed to GO or CNTs. Altogether, the decrease in metabolic activity and photosynthetic activity without oxidative stress or membrane damage support the hypothesis that both GO and CNTs induced indirect toxicity through physical mechanisms associated with light shading and cell aggregation. This indirect toxicity explains why the intrinsic differences in shape, size, and surface properties between CNTs and GO did not result in differences in how they induce toxicity to cyanobacteria.

Impact of colour on the bioreceptivity of granite to the green alga Apatococcus lobatus: Laboratory and field testing

Recent work has demonstrated that surface colour affects the formation of cyanobacterial subaerial biofilms on polycarbonate coupons and, in turn, influences their bioreceptivity. To explore whether colour is important on other substrates, the influence of colour on the primary bioreceptivity of granite to the terrestrial green alga Apatococcus lobatus (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta) has been assessed. Two granitoids (Grissal and Rosa Porriño) with the same texture, and very similar chemical composition, open porosity and surface roughness, but different coloration related to feldspars (i.e. greyish and reddish) were used to conduct bioreceptivity studies in parallel field and laboratory tests. Light microscopy, colour spectrophotometry, PAM fluorometry, and optical profilometry were used to evaluate colonisation and its impacts. Short-term results (after 7 and 10 weeks of colonisation by a mono-species biofilm) from both lab and field trials, showed significantly more algae growth on reddish granite (Rosa Porriño) than on greyish granite (Grissal). Also, optical profilometry and light microscopy demonstrated that on both granites algal aggregates developed in hollows. We attribute the roughly double levels of A. lobatus growth on reddish vs greyish granite to differences in the amount of radiant energy absorbed and the higher levels of red wavelength light (known to encourage algal growth) reflected from the reddish surface.

Cell density-dependent suppression on the development and photosynthetic activities of Sargassum fusiformis embryos by dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi

Lots of research has demonstrated that macroalgae can strongly inhibit the growth of harmful algal bloom (HAB) species in general. However, the effects of HABs or HAB-forming species on macrophytes are still largely uncharacterized until now. In the present study, the effects of the dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi cell density gradient, live cell suspension (LC), ruptured cell suspension (RC) as well as the cell-free supernatant (FC) of K. mikimotoi at 1000 μg Chla l-1 (~1.0 × 105 cells ml-1) on the development and photosynthesis of Sargassum fusiforme embryos were investigated in a series of laboratory experiments. The results showed that co-cultivation with K. mikimotoi at 500 μg Chla l-1(~5.0 × 104 cells ml-1) and higher cell densities significantly (P<0.05) inhibited the development, pigment content and photosynthetic activities of the embryos. In addition, the inhibitory effects increased with increased cell densities and prolonged exposure time. Compared to the embryos cultured with the F/2 medium (Control), exposure to LC, RC and FC of K. mikimotoi at 1000 μg Chla l-1for 2 weeks all led to decreased relative growth rate (RGR), chlorophyll (Chl) a content, carotenoids (Car) content and photosynthetic activities of the embryos, with LC and RC exhibiting the maximal and the minimal suppression. The dominant inhibitory effects of FC on the embryos indicated that the suppression was mainly caused by the allelochemicals, while the slightest inhibitory effects of RC on the embryos suggested that some intracellular growth-promoting substances were synchronously released when K. mikimotoi cells lyzed. In addition, the most severe growth suppression of embryos by LC indicated that intact cell contact by K. mikimotoi probably also contributed to the inhibitory effects. These results indicated that a dense HAB formed by K. mikimotoi could seriously suppress the development and photosynthesis of S. fusiforme embryos and eventually reduce the seedlings stock.

Types and Distribution of Bioactive Polyunsaturated Aldehydes in a Gradient from Mesotrophic to Oligotrophic Waters in the Alborán Sea (Western Mediterranean)

Polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUAs) are bioactive molecules suggested as chemical defenses and infochemicals. In marine coastal habitats, diatoms reach high PUA production levels during bloom episodes. Two fractions of PUA can usually be analyzed: pPUA obtained via artificial breakage of collected phytoplankton cells and dissolved PUA already released to the environment (dPUA). In nature, resource supply arises as a main environmental controlling factor of PUA production. In this work, we monitored the vertical distribution and daily variation of pPUA associated with large-size phytoplankton and dPUA, at three sites located in the Alborán Sea from mesotrophic to oligotrophic waters. The results corroborate the presence of large-size PUA producers in oligotrophic and mesotrophic waters with a significant (58%-85%) diatom biomass. In addition to diatoms, significant correlations between pPUA production and dinoflagellate and silicoflagellate abundance were observed. 2E,4E/Z-Heptadienal was the most abundant aldehyde at the three sites with higher values (17.1 fg·cell-1) at the most oligotrophic site. 2E,4E/Z-Decadienal was the least abundant aldehyde, decreasing toward the oligotrophic site. For the first time, we describe the daily fluctuation of pPUA attributable to cellular physiological state and not exclusively to taxonomical composition. Our results demonstrate the persistence of threshold levels of dPUA deep in the water column, as well as the different chromatographic profiles of dPUA compared with pPUA. We propose different isomerization processes that alter the chemical structure of the released PUAs with unknown effects on their stability, biological function, and potential bioactivity.

Ecophysiology of coral reef primary producers across an upwelling gradient in the tropical central Pacific

Upwelling is an important source of inorganic nutrients in marine systems, yet little is known about how gradients in upwelling affect primary producers on coral reefs. The Southern Line Islands span a natural gradient of inorganic nutrient concentrations across the equatorial upwelling region in the central Pacific. We used this gradient to test the hypothesis that benthic autotroph ecophysiology is enhanced on nutrient-enriched reefs. We measured metabolism and photophysiology of common benthic taxa, including the algae Porolithon, Avrainvillea, and Halimeda, and the corals Pocillopora and Montipora. We found that temperature (27.2–28.7°C) was inversely related to dissolved inorganic nitrogen (0.46–4.63 μM) and surface chlorophyll a concentrations (0.108–0.147 mg m^-3), which increased near the equator. Contrary to our prediction, ecophysiology did not consistently track these patterns in all taxa. Though metabolic rates were generally variable, Porolithon and Avrainvillea photosynthesis was highest at the most productive and equatorial island (northernmost). Porolithon photosynthetic rates also generally increased with proximity to the equator. Photophysiology (maximum quantum yield) increased near the equator and was highest at northern islands in all taxa. Photosynthetic pigments also were variable, but chlorophyll a and carotenoids in Avrainvillea and Montipora were highest at the northern islands. Phycobilin pigments of Porolithon responded most consistently across the upwelling gradient, with higher phycoerythrin concentrations closer to the equator. Our findings demonstrate that the effects of in situ nutrient enrichment on benthic autotrophs may be more complex than laboratory experiments indicate. While upwelling is an important feature in some reef ecosystems, ancillary factors may regulate the associated consequences of nutrient enrichment on benthic reef organisms.

Effect of microplastics exposure on the photosynthesis system of freshwater algae

Microplastics are widely distributed in freshwater environments. At present, most of the studies on the toxicity of microplastics are concentrated on aquatic feeding animals, but relatively few have addressed freshwater algae. This study investigated the effect of microplastics (polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) exposure on the photosynthetic system of freshwater algae over the logarithmic growth period. The results showed that both PVC and PP had a negative effect on chlorophyll a concentrations of Chlorella (C.) pyrenoidosa and Microcystis (M.) flos-aquae; among them, when the concentration of PVC exceeded 250 mg/L, compared with the control group, the chlorophyll a content of C. pyrenoidosa was reduced by 55.23%. For photosynthetic activity, higher concentrations of PVC and PP can induce lower values of F_v/F_m, F_v/F₀, and F_v'/F_m', suggesting a larger impact in algae. However, algae were able to adjust, with increased values of F_v/F_m, F_v/F₀, and F_v'/F_m'. This dose-negative effect phenomenon also exists in the study of the rapid light-response curves. In addition, comparing the two microplastics, we could see that PVC greatly inhibits the photosynthesis system of freshwater algae. Our study confirmed that microplastics can affect algae growth under certain concentrations, which provides evidence for understanding the risks of microplastics.

Enhanced real-time cyanobacterial fluorescence monitoring through chlorophyll-a interference compensation corrections

In situ fluorometers can be used as a real-time cyanobacteria detection tool to maintain safe drinking and recreational water standards. However, previous studies into fluorometers have established issues arising mainly from measurement inaccuracies due to green algae interference. Therefore, this study focusses on developing correction factors from a systematic study on the impact of green algae as an interference source. This study brings a novel technique where the chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and phycocyanin measurements are used to correct the fluorometer output for interference bias; four fluorometers were tested against three key cyanobacterial species and the relationship between phycocyanin output, green algae and cyanobacteria concentrations were investigated. Good correlation (R² > 0.9, p-value < 0.05) was found between the fluorometer phycocyanin output and increasing green algae concentration. The optimal correction method was selected for each of the fluorometer and cyanobacteria species pairs by validating against data from the investigation of green algae as an interference source. The correction factors determined in this study reduced the measurement error for almost all the fluorometers and species tested by 21%-99% depending on the species and fluorometer, compared to previous published correction factors in which the measurement error was reduced by approximately 11%-81%. Field validation of the correction factors showed reduction in fluorometer measurement error at sites in which cyanobacterial blooms were dominated by a single species.

Response of Natural Cyanobacteria and Algae Assemblages to a Nutrient Pulse and Elevated Temperature

Eutrophication (nutrient over-enrichment) is the primary worldwide water quality issue often leading to nuisance cyanobacterial blooms. Climate change is predicted to cause further rise of cyanobacteria blooms as cyanobacteria can have a competitive advantage at elevated temperatures. We tested the hypothesis that simultaneous rise in nutrients and temperature will promote cyanobacteria more than a single increase in one of the two drivers. To this end, controlled experiments were run with seston from 39 different urban water bodies varying in trophic state from mesotrophic to hypertrophic. These experiments were carried out at two different temperatures, 20°C (ambient) and 25°C (warming scenario) with or without the addition of a surplus of nutrients (eutrophication scenario). To facilitate comparisons, we quantified the effect size of the different treatments, using cyanobacterial and algal chlorophyll a concentrations as a response variable. Cyanobacterial and algal chlorophyll a concentrations were determined with a PHYTO-PAM phytoplankton analyzer. Warming caused an 18% increase in cyanobacterial chlorophyll-a, while algal chlorophyll-a concentrations were on average 8% higher at 25°C than at 20°C. A nutrient pulse had a much stronger effect on chlorophyll-a concentrations than warming. Cyanobacterial chlorophyll-a concentrations in nutrient enriched incubations at 20 or 25°C were similar and 9 times higher than in the incubations without nutrient pulse. Likewise, algal chlorophyll-a concentrations were 6 times higher. The results of this study confirm that warming alone yields marginally higher cyanobacteria chlorophyll-a concentrations, yet that a pulse of additional nutrients is boosting blooms. The responses of seston originating from mesotrophic waters seemed less strong than those from eutrophic waters, which indicates that nutrient control strategies –catchment as well as in-system measures– could increase the resilience of surface waters to the negative effects of climate change.

Distinguishing two phenotypes of blooms using the normalised difference peak-valley index (NDPI) and Cyano-Chlorophyta index (CCI)

Harmful algal blooms are now widely recognised as a severe threat to freshwater ecosystems, particularly in semi-fluvial environments created by river damming. Given the high spatial and temporal variability of cyanobacterial blooms, remote sensing is more suitable than conventional field surveys in monitoring blooms. However, the majority of existing algorithms cannot distinguish cyanobacterial blooms from eukaryotic algal blooms by extracting spectral features in the remote-sensing reflectance (R_rs). In this study, in situ R_rs spectra of cyanobacterial and green algal blooms in Lakes Gaoyang, Hanfeng and Changshou of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) in China were recorded. Characteristic spectral indices, namely, the normalised difference peak-valley index and Cyano-Chlorophyta index, were used to develop an algorithm that can effectively distinguish cyanobacterial and green algal blooms. The proposed algorithm was also used to investigate the spatio-temporal dynamics of the two phenotypes of blooms derived from Huan Jing 1 charge-coupled device images. The resulting accuracy of 93.5% demonstrated that remote sensing technology, in conjunction with field observation, could efficiently differentiate bloom-forming species and assess the water quality in the TGR.

Variation in cell size of the diatom Coscinodiscus granii influences photosynthetic performance and growth

Cell size has implications for the package effect in photon absorption as well as for metabolic scaling of metabolism. In this study, we have avoided species-related differences by using isolates of the marine planktonic diatom Coscinodiscus granii with cells of different sizes and grown at different light intensities to investigate their energy allocation strategies. To make full use of incident light, several fold variations in cellular chlorophyll a content were employed across cell size. This modulation of pigment-related light absorbance was deemed effective as similar light absorbing capacities were found in all treatments. Unexpected low values of O₂ evolution rate at the highest irradiance level of 450 μmol photons m^-2 s^-1 were found in medium and large cells, regardless of more photons being absorbed under these conditions, suggesting the operation of alternative electron flows acting as electron sinks. The growth rate was generally larger at higher irradiance levels except for the large cells, in which growth slowed at 450 μmol photons m^-2 s^-1, suggesting that larger cells achieved a balance between growth and photoprotection by sacrificing growth rate when exposed to high light. Although the ratio of carbon demand to rates of uncatalysed CO₂ diffusion to the cell surface reached around 20 in large cells grown under higher irradiance, the carbon fixation rate was not lowered, due to the presence of a highly effective carbon dioxide concentrating mechanism.

Growth and Toxin Production of Gambierdiscus spp. Can Be Regulated by Quorum-Sensing Bacteria

Gambierdiscus spp. are the major culprit responsible for global ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP). At present, the effects of microbiological factors on algal proliferation and toxin production are poorly understood. To evaluate the regulatory roles of quorum-sensing (QS) bacteria in the physiology of Gambierdiscus, co-culture experiments with screened QS strains were conducted in this study. Except for the growth-inhibiting effect from the strain Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus, the algal host generally displayed much higher growth potential and toxin production ability with the existence of QS strains. In addition, Bacillus anthracis particularly exhibited a broad-spectrum growth enhancement effect on various Gambierdiscus types, as well as a remarkable influence on algal toxicity. The variations of algal physiological status, including growth rate, chlorophyll content, and responsive behaviors, are potential reasons for the observed positive or negative affection. This study suggests that QS bacteria regulate the algal growth and toxin production. Based on the evidence, we further speculate that QS bacteria may contribute to the site-specific distribution of CFP risk through regulating the algal host biomass and toxicity.

Effects of low concentrations of glyphosate-based herbicide factor 540® on an agricultural stream freshwater phytoplankton community

Residual glyphosate from glyphosate based herbicides (GBH) are ubiquitously detected in streams draining agricultural fields, and may affect phytoplankton communities present in these ecosystems. Here, the effects of the exposure (96 h) of a phytoplankton community collected in an agricultural stream to various glyphosate concentrations (1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 μg l-1) of Factor 540® GBH were investigated. The lowest GBH concentration of 1 μg l-1 reduced chlorophyll a and carotenoid contents. Low glyphosate concentrations, such as 5 and 10 μg l-1, promoted changes in the community's structure and reduced the diversity of the main algal species. At glyphosate concentrations ranging from 50 to 1000 μg l-1, the phytoplankton community's composition was modified and new main species appeared. The highest glyphosate concentrations (500 and 1000 μg l-1) affected the shikimate content, the lipid peroxidation and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase). These results indicate that GBH can modify structural and functional properties of freshwater phytoplankton communities living in streams located in agricultural areas at glyphosate concentrations much inferior to the 800 μg l-1 threshold set by the Canadian guidelines for the protection of aquatic life.

Sensitivity of Scenedesmus obliquus and Microcystis aeruginosa to atrazine: effects of acclimation and mixed cultures, and their removal ability

Atrazine is an herbicide frequently detected in watercourses that can affect the phytoplankton community, thus impacting the whole food chain. This study aims, firstly, to measure the sensitivity of monocultures of the green alga Scenedemus obliquus and toxic and non-toxic strains of the cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa before, during and after a 30-day acclimation period to 0.1 µM of atrazine. Secondly, the sensitivity of S. obliquus and M. aeruginosa to atrazine in mixed cultures was evaluated. Finally, the ability of these strains to remove atrazine from the media was measured. We demonstrated that both strains of M. aeruginosa had higher growth rate-based EC₅₀ values than S. obliquus when exposed to atrazine, even though their photosynthesis-based EC₅₀ values were lower. After being exposed to 0.1 µM of atrazine for 1 month, only the photosynthesis-based EC₅₀ of S. obliquus increased significantly. In mixed cultures, the growth rate of the non-toxic strain of M. aeruginosa was higher than S. obliquus at high concentrations of atrazine, resulting in a ratio of M. aeruginosa to total cell count of 0.6. This lower sensitivity might be related to the higher growth rate of cyanobacteria at low light intensity. Finally, a negligible fraction of atrazine was removed from the culture media by S. obliquus or M. aeruginosa over 6 days. These results bring new insights on the acclimation of some phytoplankton species to atrazine and its effect on the competition between S. obliquus and M. aeruginosa in mixed cultures.

Effects of iron on growth, antioxidant enzyme activity, bound extracellular polymeric substances and microcystin production of Microcystis aeruginosa FACHB-905

Toxic cyanobacterial blooms have occurred in various water bodies during recent decades and made serious health hazards to plants, animals and humans. Iron is an important micronutrient for algal growth and recently, the concentration of which has increased remarkably in freshwaters. In this paper, the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa FACHB-905 was cultivated under non-iron (0μM), iron-limited (10μM) and iron-replete (100μM) conditions to investigate the effects of iron on growth, antioxidant enzyme activity, EPS and microcystin production. The results showed that algal cell density and chlorophyll-a content were maximal at the highest iron concentration. Antioxidant enzymes activity increased notably under all three conditions in the early stage of experiment, of which the SOD activity recovered soon from oxidative stress in 10μM group. The productions of some protein-like substances and humic acid-like substances of bound EPS were inhibited in iron-containing groups in the early stage of experiment while promoted after the adaptation period of Microcystis aeruginosa. Iron addition is a factor affecting the formation of cyanobacterial blooms through its impact on the content of LB-EPS and the composition of TB-EPS. The intracellular MC-LR concentration and the productivity potential of MC-LR were the lowest in 0μM group and highest in 10μM group. No obvious extracellular release of MC-LR was observed during the cultivation time. Therefore, iron addition can promote the physiological activities of M. aeruginosa, but a greater harm could be brought into environment under iron-limited (10μM) condition than under iron-replete (100μM) condition.

Title: Freshwater phytoplankton responses to global warming

Global warming alters species composition and function of freshwater ecosystems. However, the impact of temperature on primary productivity is not sufficiently understood and water quality models need to be improved in order to assess the quantitative and qualitative changes of aquatic communities. On the basis of experimental data, we demonstrate that the commonly used photosynthetic and water chemistry parameters alone are not sufficient for modeling phytoplankton growth under changing temperature regimes. We present some new aspects of the acclimation process with respect to temperature and how contrasting responses may be explained by a more complete physiological knowledge of the energy flow from photons to new biomass. We further suggest including additional bio-markers/traits for algal growth such as carbon allocation patterns to increase the explanatory power of such models. Although carbon allocation patterns are promising and functional cellular traits for growth prediction under different nutrient and light conditions, their predictive power still waits to be tested with respect to temperature. A great challenge for the near future will be the prediction of primary production efficiencies under the global change scenario using a uniform model for phytoplankton assemblages.

Grazing-induced Synechococcus microcolony formation: experimental insights from two freshwater phylotypes

Freshwater cyanobacteria of the genus Synechococcus are ubiquitous and organized either as single cells of diverse morphology or as microcolonies of different size. We studied the formation of microcolonies induced by the mixotrophic nanoflagellate Poterioochromonas sp. grazing on two Synechococcus strains belonging to phylotypes with different content of phycobiliproteins (PE: phycoerythrin-rich cells, L.Albano Group A; PC: phycocyanin-rich cells, MW101C3 Group I). The quantitative variations in cell abundance, morphological and physiological conditions were assessed on short-term incubations in semi-continuous cultures, single culture (PE, PC) and co-culture (PE+PC), with and without predators, by flow cytometry, and PhytoPAM. Under grazing pressure, we observed that (i) the abundance of PE single cells decreased over time with a concomitant formation of PE microcolonies; (ii) in PC single cultures, no significant variation in single cells was found and microcolonies did not form; (iii) both PE and PC formed monoclonal microcolonies in co-culture; (iv) PC cells increased the photosynthetic efficiency of the PSII (higher Fv/Fm) in co-culture. In the aftermath of microcolony formation as a predation-induced adaptation, our findings indicated a different response of Synechococcus phylotypes potentially co-existing in natural environment and the importance of their interaction.

Responses of plant biomass, photosynthesis and lipid peroxidation to warming and precipitation change in two dominant species (Stipa grandis and Leymus chinensis) from North China Grasslands

Influential factors of global change affect plant carbon uptake and biomass simultaneously. Although the effects from warming and precipitation change have been extensive studied separately, the responses of plant biomass, photosynthesis, and lipid peroxidation to the interaction of these factors are still not fully understood. In this study, we examined the physiological responses of two dominant plant species from grasslands of northern China with different functional traits to combinations of five simulated warming patterns and five simulated precipitation patterns in environment-controlled chambers. Our results showed that the biomass, net CO 2 assimilation rate (P n), maximal efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry (F v/F m), and chlorophyll content (Chl) of Stipa grandis and Leymus chinensis were enhanced by moderate warming and plus precipitation, but they declined drastically with high temperature and drought. High temperature and drought also led to significant malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, which had a negative correlation with leaf biomass. The lower level of lipid peroxidation in leaves of S. grandis suggests that this species is better protected from oxidative damage under heat stress, drought stress and their interactive conditions than L. chinensis. Using the subordinate function values method, we found S. grandis to be more sensitive to climate change than L. chinensis and the gross biomass and root biomass of S. grandis and the leaf biomass of L. chinensis were most sensitive to climate change. Furthermore, the P n of both S. grandis and L. chinensis had a significant linear relationship with F v/F m and Chl, indicating that carbon assimilation may be caused by nonstomatal limitations.

Resilience of aggregated microbial communities subjected to drought--small-scale studies

The response of microbial communities to disturbance is a major concern for microbial ecologists since potential modifications in their composition and functioning may affect ecosystems to a larger extent. Microbial ecosystems may be resistant (not affected) or may present engineering (return to initial state) or ecological resilience. In the latter case, when the disturbance is released, the ecosystem evolves towards a new equilibrium state. The aim of this study was to determine if variations in the magnitude of a disturbance could induce either engineering or ecological resilience. We used phototrophic biofilms grown in mesocosms as a model of microbial ecosystem and increasing drought duration (1-8 weeks) as a range of disturbances. Biofilm composition (algal and prokaryotic), photosynthetic activity (PhytoPAM), and potential functional diversity (Biolog) were determined at the end of dry phase and after a 2-week rewetting phase in individual aquaria. We only observed an ecological resilience of the biofilm, with a resistance of phototrophic component for the weakest disturbance. After rewetting, the biofilm could fulfill the same functions, but its species composition was highly modified. We observed a shift from cyanobacteria dominance towards diatom dominance. The disturbance caused a transition towards a new steady state of the biofilm. We also observed a positive effect of stress duration on biofilm productivity after resilience.

Impact of chronic lead exposure on metal distribution and biological effects to periphyton

Chronic Pb exposure microcosm studies were carried out on two different periphyton communities over the course of 3 weeks to link Pb distribution to biological effects in periphyton. We show that three-week exposures of periphyton to 20.6 ± 0.4 μM PbT (330 nM Pb(2+)) did not have observable biological effects on photosynthesis, respiration, extracellular enzymatic activities, or biomass accrual. Metal distribution studies showed that the majority of Pb was associated with the operationally defined sorbed and non-EDTA-exchangeable fractions, and relatively little with extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). No significant effects of Pb on Fe and Mn distributions were observed, whereas higher Cu accumulation occurred from increased free Cu(2+) in the exposure medium. High Fe:C and Mn:C ratios indicated the presence of inorganic Fe and Mn material associated with the non-EDTA-exchangeable fraction, which likely sequesters Pb and explains the absence of measurable biological effects. Although no toxic effects of Pb were observed on the periphytic organisms themselves, periphyton can be a significant source of Pb to grazing organisms in aquatic ecosystems.

Effects of dissolved organic matter from a eutrophic lake on the freely dissolved concentrations of emerging organic contaminants

The authors studied the effects of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on the bioavailability of bisphenol A (BPA) and chloramphenicol by measuring the freely dissolved concentrations of the contaminants in solutions containing DOM that had been isolated from a mesocosm in a eutrophic lake. The abundance and aromaticity of the chromophoric DOM increased over the 25-d mesocosm experiment. The BPA freely dissolved concentration was 72.3% lower and the chloramphenicol freely dissolved concentration was 56.2% lower using DOM collected on day 25 than using DOM collected on day 1 of the mesocosm experiment. The freely dissolved concentrations negatively correlated with the ultraviolent absorption coefficient at 254 nm and positively correlated with the spectral slope of chromophoric DOM, suggesting that the bioavailability of these emerging organic contaminants depends on the characteristics of the DOM present. The DOM-water partition coefficients (log KOC ) for the emerging organic contaminants positively correlated with the aromaticity of the DOM, measured as humic acid-like fluorescent components C1 (excitation/emission=250[313]/412 nm) and C2 (excitation/emission=268[379]/456 nm). The authors conclude that the bioavailability of emerging organic contaminants in eutrophic lakes can be affected by changes in the DOM.

Relaxation of the non-photochemical chlorophyll fluorescence quenching in diatoms: kinetics, components and mechanisms

Diatoms are especially important microorganisms because they constitute the larger group of microalgae. To survive the constant variations of the light environment, diatoms have developed mechanisms aiming at the dissipation of excess energy, such as the xanthophyll cycle and the non-photochemical chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence quenching. This contribution is dedicated to the relaxation of the latter process when the adverse conditions cease. An original nonlinear regression analysis of the relaxation of non-photochemical Chl fluorescence quenching, qN, in diatoms is presented. It was used to obtain experimental evidence for the existence of three time-resolved components in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum: qNf, qNi and qNs. qNf (s time-scale) and qNs (h time-scale) are exponential in shape. By contrast, qNi (min time-scale) is of sigmoidal nature and is dominant among the three components. The application of metabolic inhibitors (dithiothreitol, ammonium chloride, cadmium and diphenyleneiodonium chloride) allowed the identification of the mechanisms on which each component mostly relies. qNi is linked to the relaxation of the ΔpH gradient and the reversal of the xanthophyll cycle. qNs quantifies the stage of photoinhibition caused by the high light exposure, qNf seems to reflect fast conformational changes within thylakoid membranes in the vicinity of the photosystem II complexes.

Mangrove microbial diversity and the impact of trophic contamination

Mangroves are threatened ecosystems that provide numerous ecosystem services, especially through their wide biodiversity, and their bioremediation capacity is a challenging question in tropical areas. In a mangrove in Mayotte, we studied the potential role of microbial biofilm communities in removing nutrient loads from pre-treated wastewater. Microbial community samples were collected from tree roots, sediments, water, and from a colonization device, and their structure and dynamics were compared in two areas: one exposed to sewage and the other not. The samples from the colonization devices accurately reflected the natural communities in terms of diversity. Communities in the zone exposed to sewage were characterized by more green algae and diatoms, higher bacteria densities, as well as different compositions. In the area exposed to sewage, the higher cell densities associated with specific diversity patterns highlighted adapted communities that may play a significant role in the fate of nutrients.

Assessment of wavelength-dependent parameters of photosynthetic electron transport with a new type of multi-color PAM chlorophyll fluorometer

Technical features of a novel multi-color pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) chlorophyll fluorometer as well as the applied methodology and some typical examples of its practical application with suspensions of Chlorella vulgaris and Synechocystis PCC 6803 are presented. The multi-color PAM provides six colors of pulse-modulated measuring light (peak-wavelengths at 400, 440, 480, 540, 590, and 625 nm) and six colors of actinic light (AL), peaking at 440, 480, 540, 590, 625 and 420-640 nm (white). The AL can be used for continuous illumination, maximal intensity single-turnover pulses, high intensity multiple-turnover pulses, and saturation pulses. In addition, far-red light (peaking at 725 nm) is provided for preferential excitation of PS I. Analysis of the fast fluorescence rise kinetics in saturating light allows determination of the wavelength- and sample-specific functional absorption cross section of PS II, Sigma(II)(λ), with which the PS II turnover rate at a given incident photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) can be calculated. Sigma(II)(λ) is defined for a quasi-dark reference state, thus differing from σ(PSII) used in limnology and oceanography. Vastly different light response curves for Chlorella are obtained with light of different colors, when the usual PAR-scale is used. Based on Sigma(II)(λ) the PAR, in units of μmol quanta/(m(2) s), can be converted into PAR(II) (in units of PS II effective quanta/s) and a fluorescence-based electron transport rate ETR(II) = PAR(II) · Y(II)/Y(II)(max) can be defined. ETR(II) in contrast to rel.ETR qualifies for quantifying the absolute rate of electron transport in optically thin suspensions of unicellular algae and cyanobacteria. Plots of ETR(II) versus PAR(II) for Chlorella are almost identical using either 440 or 625 nm light. Photoinhibition data are presented suggesting that a lower value of ETR(II)(max) with 440 nm possibly reflects photodamage via absorption by the Mn-cluster of the oxygen-evolving complex.

PHYTOPLANKTON SELENIUM REQUIREMENTS: THE CASE FOR SPECIES ISOLATED FROM TEMPERATE AND POLAR REGIONS OF THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE(1)

A series of laboratory culture experiments was used to investigate the effect of selenium (Se, 0-10 nM) on the growth, cellular volume, photophysiology, and pigments of two temperate and four polar oceanic phytoplankton species [coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi (Lohmann) W. W. Hay et H. P. Mohler, cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp., prymnesiophyte Phaeocystis sp., and three diatoms-Fragilariopsis cylindrus (Grunow) Kriegar, Chaetoceros sp., and Thalassiosira antarctica G. Karst.]. Only Synechoccocus sp. and Phaeocystis sp. did not show any requirement for Se. Under Se-deficient conditions, the growth rate of E. huxleyi was decreased by 1.6-fold, whereas cellular volume was increased by 1.9-fold. Se limitation also decreased chl a (2.5-fold), maximum relative electron transport rate (1.9-fold), and saturating light intensity (2.8-fold), suggesting that Se plays a role in photosynthesis or high-light acclimation. Pigment analysis for Antarctic taxa provided an interesting counterpoint to the physiology of E. huxleyi. For all Se-dependent Antarctic diatoms, Se limitation decreased growth rate and chl a content, whereas cellular volume was not affected. Pigment analysis revealed that other pigments were affected under Se deficiency. Photoprotective pigments increased by 1.4-fold, while diadinoxanthin:diatoxanthin ratios decreased by 1.5- to 4.9-fold under Se limitation, supporting a role for Se in photoprotection. Our results demonstrate an Se growth requirement for polar diatoms and indicate that Se could play a role in the biogeochemical cycles of other nutrients, such as silicic acid in the Southern Ocean. Se measurements made during the austral summer in the Southern Ocean and Se biological requirement were used to discuss possible Se limitation in phytoplankton from contrasting oceanographic regions.

Different phycobilin antenna organisations affect the balance between light use and growth rate in the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa and in the cryptophyte Cryptomonas ovata

During the recent years, wide varieties of methodologies have been developed up to the level of commercial use to measure photosynthetic electron transport by modulated chlorophyll a-in vivo fluorescence. It is now widely accepted that the ratio between electron transport rates and new biomass (P (Fl)/B (C)) is not fixed and depends on many factors that are also taxonomically variable. In this study, the balance between photon absorption and biomass production has been measured in two phycobilin-containing phototrophs, namely, a cyanobacterium and a cryptophyte, which differ in their antenna organization. It is demonstrated that the different antenna organization exerts influence on the regulation of the primary photosynthetic reaction and the dissipation of excessively absorbed radiation. Although, growth rates and the quantum efficiency of biomass production of both phototrophs were comparable, the ratio P (Fl)/B (C) was twice as high in the cryptophyte in comparison to the cyanobacterium. It is assumed that this discrepancy is because of differences in the metabolic regulation of cell growth. In the cryptophyte, absorbed photosynthetic energy is used to convert assimilated carbon directly into proteins and lipids, whereas in the cyanobacterium, the photosynthetic energy is preferentially stored as carbohydrates.

Photo-physiological variability in phytoplankton chlorophyll fluorescence and assessment of chlorophyll concentration

Photo-physiological variability of in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence (CF) per unit of chlorophyll concentration (CC) is analyzed using a biophysical model to improve the accuracy of CC assessments. Field measurements of CF and photosystem II (PSII) photochemical yield (PY) with the Advanced Laser Fluorometer (ALF) in the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays are analyzed vs. high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) CC retrievals. It is shown that isolation from ambient light, PSII saturating excitation, optimized phytoplankton exposure to excitation, and phytoplankton dark adaptation may provide accurate in vivo CC fluorescence measurements (R2 = 0.90-0.95 vs. HPLC retrievals). For in situ or flow-through measurements that do not allow for dark adaptation, concurrent PY measurements can be used to adjust for CF non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and improve the accuracy of CC fluorescence assessments. Field evaluation has shown the NPQ-invariance of CF/PY and CF(PY-1-1) parameters and their high correlation with HPLC CC retrievals (R2 = 0.74-0.96), while the NPQ-affected CF measurements correlated poorly with CC (R2 = -0.22).

DIFFERENT PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF FOUR MARINE SYNECHOCOCCUS STRAINS (CYANOPHYCEAE) TO NICKEL STARVATION UNDER IRON-REPLETE AND IRON-DEPLETE CONDITIONS(1)

Synechococcus species are important primary producers in coastal and open-ocean ecosystems. When nitrate was provided as the sole nitrogen source, nickel starvation inhibited the growth of strains WH8102 and WH7803, while it had little effect on two euryhaline strains, WH5701 and PCC 7002. Nickel was required for the acclimation of Synechococcus WH7803 to low iron and high light. In WH8102 and WH7803, nickel starvation decreased the linear electron transport activity, slowed down QA reoxidation, but increased the connectivity factor between individual photosynthetic units. Under such conditions, the reduction of their intersystem electron transport chains was expected to increase, and their cyclic electron transport around PSI would be favored. Nickel starvation decreased the total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of WH8102 and WH7803 by 30% and 15% of the control, respectively. The protein-bound (63) Ni of the oceanic strain WH8102 comigrated with SOD activity on nondenaturing gels and thus provided additional evidence for the existence of active NiSOD in Synechococcus WH8102. In WH7803, it seems likely that nickel starvation affected other metabolic pathways and thus indirectly affected the total SOD activity.

Effects of ultraviolet radiation on the productivity and composition of freshwater phytoplankton communities

The net influence of ultraviolet radiation (UVR; 280-400 nm) on freshwater phytoplankton communities depends on the photon flux density, duration, and spectral quality of exposure and the UVR sensitivity of the assemblage in terms of photosynthetic impairment, biochemical composition, and nutrient assimilation mechanisms. Such effects are mitigated to varying degrees by photoacclimation and selective adaptation at the community level. Variation in UVR penetration among lakes is considerable, largely due to differences in chromophoric dissolved organic matter concentrations. Documented losses of areal daily primary production in lakes due to UVR range from negligible (2.5%) to appreciable (26%). UVR has the potential to alter algal biochemical composition and therefore indirectly affect higher trophic levels. There is evidence that algal nutritional status can influence UVR sensitivity, and that UVR can inhibit uptake and assimilation of inorganic nutrients, but results have been inconsistent. Taxonomic variability in susceptibility to the effects of UVR exists, and likely reflects variation in cell size and shape, concentrations of photoprotective pigments, and capacity to repair UVR photodamage. Suggestions for future research include: (1) resolution of taxon-specific UVR responses by way of single-cell techniques (e.g. enzyme-labelled fluorescence assays, microscope-based variable fluorometers) and (2) systematic comparative studies to link UVR exposure in natural habitats to community responses using the biological weighting function modelling approach. A more robust understanding of how sensitivity to UVR varies according to taxon and habitat is needed if predictions of its role in ecosystem functioning, particularly in connection with climate change, are to be meaningful.

Community-level microalgal toxicity assessment by multiwavelength-excitation PAM fluorometry

In ecotoxicological studies involving community-level investigations, rapid and multiparametric fluorescence-based methods may provide substantial advantages over traditional methods used for structural and functional community analysis. Therefore, multiwavelength-excitation pulse-amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry was applied in this study to assess long-term changes in periphyton community structure, short-term effects on periphyton functioning (photosynthesis) and pollution induced community tolerance (PICT). For inter-calibration, periphyton structure was evaluated by chemotaxonomic analysis of accessory pigments and a four-wavelength-excitation PAM fluorometer. Short-term effects of herbicides were evaluated by fluorescence quenching analysis and (14)C-incorporation as a proxy of primary production. Subsequently, the method was applied to assess structural and functional changes in periphyton communities after isoproturon exposure for 14 and 26 days, respectively. Results showed good correlation of the PAM fluorescence-based measurements with traditional methods for biofilms in the initial colonisation phase for structural and functional parameters. However, for biofilms older than 9 weeks PAM fluorescence may underestimate biomass. Multiwavelength-excitation PAM fluorometry showed good correlation with marker pigment concentrations indicating that this method provides a reliable estimate of the community structure. PAM fluorometry was able to quantify changes of biomass and follow relative shifts in class composition of biofilms under exposure of isoproturon. Short-term tests based on the quantification of the inhibition of the effective quantum yield revealed a concentration-dependent increase of PICT. The observation of two succession phases of the biofilms after 14 and 26 days of growth, respectively, revealed that sensitivity of biofilms decreased with increasing age and biomass, respectively, but PICT remained a characteristic parameter of exposed communities in a concentration-dependent relationship. In conclusion, multiwavelength-excitation PAM fluorometry has considerable potentials in multispecies and multiparameter assessment of toxic effects on community level in terms of (1) a combined and rapid evaluation of structural and functional parameters in parallel, (2) screening of trends over time, (3) observing effects in replication and (4) being non-destructive. The approach therefore provides a perspective for a better understanding of community-level effects as species interactions in terms of PICT and therefore a higher ecological realism in risk assessment of toxicants.

Applying Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) fluorometry to microalgae suspensions: stirring potentially impacts fluorescence

The use of microalgae suspensions in PAM-fluorometers such as the Water-PAM (Walz GmbH, Germany) presents the problem of maintaining a homogeneous sample. The Water-PAM is marketed with an optional accessory for stirring the sample within the cuvette while in the emitter-detector (ED) unit. This stirring device can help to prevent cells from settling out of suspension over the time-course of chlorophyll-a fluorescence measurements. The ED unit was found to provide a vertically heterogeneous light environment and, therefore, cells within a single sample can exist in different quenched states. Enhancing cell movement by stirring was found to substantially influence measured fluorescence yield while performing induction curve and rapid light curve analyses. This is likely to result from relatively unquenched cells outside the main light-path moving into a higher light region and thus emitting disproportionately more fluorescence than quenched cells. Samples containing cells with high sinking rates or motile species may encounter similar (but reduced) problems. This effect can be mitigated by: (a) reducing analysis time to minimise the distance cells can sink/swim during the measurement procedure and avoiding the necessity of stirring; (b) limiting the proportion of sample outside the light path by minimising sample volume or; (c) by activating the stirrer only for short periods between saturation pulses and allowing enough time after stirring for quenching to stabilise before activation of the saturation pulse. Alternatively, modifications to the instrument providing a vertical dimension to the LED-array could resolve the issue by providing a more homogeneous light environment for the sample.

Balancing the energy flow from captured light to biomass under fluctuating light conditions

The balance of energy flow from light absorption into biomass was investigated under simulated natural light conditions in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and the green alga Chlorella vulgaris. The energy balance was quantified by comparative analysis of carbon accumulation in the new biomass with photosynthetic electron transport rates per absorbed quantum, measured both by fluorescence quenching and oxygen production. The difference between fluorescence- and oxygen-based electron flow is defined as 'alternative electron cycling'. The photosynthetic efficiency of biomass production was found to be identical for both algae under nonfluctuating light conditions. In a fluctuating light regime, a much higher conversion efficiency of photosynthetic energy into biomass was observed in the diatom compared with the green alga. The data clearly show that the diatom utilizes a different strategy in the dissipation of excessively absorbed energy compared with the green alga. Consequently, in a fluctuating light climate, the differences between green algae and diatoms in the efficiency of biomass production per photon absorbed are caused by the different amount of alternative electron cycling.