Development of photosynthetic carbon fixation model using multi-excitation wavelength fast repetition rate fluorometry in Lake Biwa

Unveiling the trifecta of cyanobacterial quorum sensing: LuxI, LuxR and LuxS as the intricate machinery for harmful algal bloom formation in freshwater ecosystems

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are causing significant disruptions in freshwater ecosystems, primarily due to the proliferation of cyanobacteria. These blooms have a widespread impact on various lakes globally, leading to profound environmental and health consequences. Cyanobacteria, with their ability to produce diverse toxins, pose a particular concern as they negatively affect the well-being of humans and animals, exacerbating the situation. Notably, cyanobacteria utilize quorum sensing (QS) as a complex communication mechanism that facilitates coordinated growth and toxin production. QS plays a critical role in regulating the dynamics of HABs. However, recent advances in control and mitigation strategies have shown promising results in effectively managing and reducing the occurrence of HABs. This comprehensive review explores the intricate aspects of cyanobacteria development in freshwater ecosystems, explicitly focusing on deciphering the signaling molecules associated with QS and their corresponding genes. Furthermore, a concise overview of diverse measures implemented to efficiently control and mitigate the spread of these bacteria will be provided, shedding light on the ongoing global efforts to address this urgent environmental issue. By deepening our understanding of the mechanisms driving cyanobacteria growth and developing targeted control strategies, we hope to safeguard freshwater ecosystems and protect the health of humans and animals from the detrimental impacts of HABs.

Optimising Multispectral Active Fluorescence to Distinguish the Photosynthetic Variability of Cyanobacteria and Algae

This study assesses the ability of a new active fluorometer, the LabSTAF, to diagnostically assess the physiology of freshwater cyanobacteria in a reservoir exhibiting annual blooms. Specifically, we analyse the correlation of relative cyanobacteria abundance with photosynthetic parameters derived from fluorescence light curves (FLCs) obtained using several combinations of excitation wavebands, photosystem II (PSII) excitation spectra and the emission ratio of 730 over 685 nm (Fo(730/685)) using excitation protocols with varying degrees of sensitivity to cyanobacteria and algae. FLCs using blue excitation (B) and green−orange−red (GOR) excitation wavebands capture physiology parameters of algae and cyanobacteria, respectively. The green−orange (GO) protocol, expected to have the best diagnostic properties for cyanobacteria, did not guarantee PSII saturation. PSII excitation spectra showed distinct response from cyanobacteria and algae, depending on spectral optimisation of the light dose. Fo(730/685), obtained using a combination of GOR excitation wavebands, Fo(GOR, 730/685), showed a significant correlation with the relative abundance of cyanobacteria (linear regression, p-value < 0.01, adjusted R2 = 0.42). We recommend using, in parallel, Fo(GOR, 730/685), PSII excitation spectra (appropriately optimised for cyanobacteria versus algae), and physiological parameters derived from the FLCs obtained with GOR and B protocols to assess the physiology of cyanobacteria and to ultimately predict their growth. Higher intensity LEDs (G and O) should be considered to reach PSII saturation to further increase diagnostic sensitivity to the cyanobacteria component of the community.

Exploring Variability of Trichodesmium Photophysiology Using Multi-Excitation Wavelength Fast Repetition Rate Fluorometry

Fast repetition rate fluorometry (FRRf) allows for rapid non-destructive assessment of phytoplankton photophysiology in situ yet has rarely been applied to Trichodesmium. This gap reflects long-standing concerns that Trichodesmium (and other cyanobacteria) contain pigments that are less effective at absorbing blue light which is often used as the sole excitation source in FRR fluorometers-potentially leading to underestimation of key fluorescence parameters. In this study, we use a multi-excitation FRR fluorometer (equipped with blue, green, and orange LEDs) to investigate photophysiological variability in Trichodesmium assemblages from two sites. Using a multi-LED measurement protocol (447+519+634 nm combined), we assessed maximum photochemical efficiency (F v /F m ), functional absorption cross section of PSII (σ PSII ), and electron transport rates (ETRs) for Trichodesmium assemblages in both the Northwest Pacific (NWP) and North Indian Ocean in the vicinity of Sri Lanka (NIO-SL). Evaluating fluorometer performance, we showed that use of a multi-LED measuring protocol yields a significant increase of F v /F m for Trichodesmium compared to blue-only excitation. We found distinct photophysiological differences for Trichodesmium at both locations with higher average F v /F m as well as lower σ PSII and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ NSV ) observed in the NWP compared to the NIO-SL (Kruskal-Wallis t-test df = 1, p < 0.05). Fluorescence light response curves (FLCs) further revealed differences in ETR response with a lower initial slope (α ETR ) and higher maximum electron turnover rate ( E T R P S I I m a x ) observed for Trichodesmium in the NWP compared to the NIO-SL, translating to a higher averaged light saturation E K (= E T R P S I I m a x /α ETR ) for cells at this location. Spatial variations in physiological parameters were both observed between and within regions, likely linked to nutrient supply and physiological stress. Finally, we applied an algorithm to estimate primary productivity of Trichodesmium using FRRf-derived fluorescence parameters, yielding an estimated carbon-fixation rate ranging from 7.8 to 21.1 mgC mg Chl-a-1 h-1 across this dataset. Overall, our findings demonstrate that capacity of multi-excitation FRRf to advance the application of Chl-a fluorescence techniques in phytoplankton assemblages dominated by cyanobacteria and reveals novel insight into environmental regulation of photoacclimation in natural Trichodesmium populations.