Effects of Algicidal Macrophyte Metabolites on Cyanobacteria, Microcystins, Other Plankton, and Fish in Microcosms

To control harmful algae blooms (HABs), methods based on natural mechanisms are now required. We investigated the effects of an algicide derived from macrophyte metabolites, namely mixtures of gallic, tetradecanoic, heptanoic, and octanoic acids (1:1:1:1 mass ratio, a total concentration of 14 mg/L), on the biomass of cyanobacteria and other plankton and the production of microcystins under experimental conditions. Two types of microcosms have been created: simple (microalgae, cyanobacteria, and zooplankton) and complex (microalgae, cyanobacteria, zooplankton, and planktivorous fish). We observed the dynamics of the phytoplankton structure, the concentrations of microcystins and chlorophyll-a, hydrochemistry, and the status of zooplankton and fish in both types of microcosms with and without algicide for one month (from 19 July to 19 August 2021). The introduction of algicide caused changes in phytoplankton structure, a drop in cyanobacterial biomass, and a decrease in the total concentration of microcystins. Surprisingly, the contributions of the most toxic microcystins (LR form) were higher in both types of microcosms exposed to algicide than in microcosms without algicide. The inhibitory effect on the cyanobacterial biomass was most significant in complex ecosystems (containing fish), while it was only observed at the end of the exposure in simple ecosystems. Not only algicide but also phytoplankton consumed by fish and zooplankton, as well as nutrient excretory activity by both consumers, seem to have impact on cyanobacterial biomass. This study found that the using chemical substances similar to macrophyte metabolites can help regulate HABs and cyanotoxins. However, the results differ depending on ecosystem type.

Subcellular accumulation and source of O2- and H2O2 in submerged plant Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle under NH4+-N stress condition

In this study, the effects of excess NH₄⁺-N on the subcellular accumulation of O₂^- and H₂O₂ in submerged plant Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle were investigated using both histochemical and cytochemical methods. Treatments with ≥ 2.00 and ≥ 5.00 mg L^-1 NH₄⁺-N for 5 d significantly increased production of O₂^- and H₂O₂, respectively. The activities of plasma membrane-bound NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidases and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, dehydroascorbate reductase and glutathione reductase) were also increased correspondingly. This study also provides the first cytochemical evidence of subcellular accumulation of O₂^- and H₂O₂ in the submerged plants. In the leaves of H. verticillata treated with 20.0 mg L^-1 NH₄⁺-N, O₂^- dependent DAB precipitates were found primarily on the inner side of the plasma membrane, extracellular space and chloroplasts. H₂O₂-CeCl₃ precipitates were mainly localized on the inner side of the plasma membrane and extracellular space of the mesophyll cells. Treatments with the inhibitors of NADPH oxidase (diphenylene iodonium and imidazole) indicate that NH₄⁺-N-induced production of O₂^- and H₂O₂ in H. verticillata leaves may involve plasma membrane-bound NADPH oxidase. Moreover, low-light treatment decreased NH₄⁺-induced O₂^- production, suggesting that alterations in the photosynthetic electron transfer chain due to NH₄⁺ toxicity could lead to O₂^- production.