Journal Description
Phycology
Phycology
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on phycology published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, EBSCO, and other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 15.7 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
Latest Articles
Effect of Dry Salting and Brining on the Consumer Acceptance of Saccharina latissima (Sugar Kelp)
Phycology 2024, 4(2), 330-339; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology4020017 - 6 Jun 2024
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Brining and dry salting are traditional preservation techniques used to extend the shelf life of foods including seaweeds. In this study, brining (40% NaCl solution weight/volume) and dry salting (30% weight/weight) processes were applied to fresh kelp to achieve a target water activity
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Brining and dry salting are traditional preservation techniques used to extend the shelf life of foods including seaweeds. In this study, brining (40% NaCl solution weight/volume) and dry salting (30% weight/weight) processes were applied to fresh kelp to achieve a target water activity of less than 0.77, and the effect of salting treatment on consumer acceptance was assessed. The processed samples were stored at 4 °C for 2 weeks until the sensory analysis. Processed kelp samples were used as the primary ingredient in a salad with shredded carrots and sesame dressing. Three salad samples (salad with fresh kelp (control), brined, or dry salted sugar kelp) were presented to the panelists to assess the liking of sensory attributes including salt intensity, color, aroma, flavor, texture, and overall liking. Significant differences in the liking of flavor and texture were observed, with consumers rating both treatments made with salted seaweed higher than a salad made from fresh seaweed. Panelists identified the availability and lack of information regarding nutritional benefits as barriers to their seaweed consumption. These results indicate that in addition to extending shelf life, the preservation of kelp by salting may increase consumer acceptability.
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Open AccessArticle
Parametric Study of the Effect of Increased Magnetic Field Exposure on Microalgae Chlorella vulgaris Growth and Bioactive Compound Production
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Sharanabasaweshwara Asundi, Sanurag Rout, Simone Stephen, Sanghamitra Khandual, Sandipan Dutta and Sandeep Kumar
Phycology 2024, 4(2), 314-329; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology4020016 - 6 Jun 2024
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This parametric study aimed to analyze the effects of increased magnetic field exposure (MFE) on the growth and production of the bioactive compounds of Chlorella (C.) vulgaris. With the intent of studying the effect of an increased MFE, the magnetic field typically
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This parametric study aimed to analyze the effects of increased magnetic field exposure (MFE) on the growth and production of the bioactive compounds of Chlorella (C.) vulgaris. With the intent of studying the effect of an increased MFE, the magnetic field typically experienced by life on Earth was amplified by an order of magnitude. In the increased-MFE environment, six treatments of C. vulgaris with two repetitions for each treatment were exposed to a magnetic field of 5 Gauss (500 µT) about each axis, which was generated in a state-of-the-art Helmholtz cage. The treatments and the control were characterized by the duration of exposure, which was varied from 0 min to 120 min with a step increment of 20 min. The treatments were repeated for six days (TR1) and twelve days (TR2) in two separate experiments. From the first day of the treatment, the specimens in both the experiments were propagated for twenty-one days. For parametric analysis, the overall growth, protein, and beta-carotene content were measured every three days for twenty-one days. For TR1 in general, the samples treated with the increased MFE demonstrated a higher growth rate than the control. Specifically, for the specimen treated with 40 min of the increased MFE, the growth on the 21st day was measured to be 38% higher than the control. For the specimen treated with 120 min of the increased MFE, the protein content on the 15th day was measured to be 15.6% higher than the control. For the specimen treated with 40 min of the increased MFE, the beta-carotene content on the 15th day was measured to be 20.4% higher than the control. For TR2 in general, the results were inferior compared to TR1 but showed higher production than the control specimen. Specifically, for the specimen treated with 80 min of the increased MFE, the protein content on the 21st day was measured to be 4.3% higher than the control. For the specimen treated with 100 min of the increased MFE, the beta-carotene content on the 15th day was measured to be 17.1% higher than the control. For the specimen treated with 100 min of the increased MFE, the growth on the 21st day was measured to be 5% higher than the control. Overall, the treated specimens in TR1 exhibited significantly higher production compared to the control specimen. The treated specimen in TR2 demonstrated some adverse impacts, but still exhibited higher production compared to the control specimen.
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Open AccessReview
Cosmeceutical Significance of Seaweed: A Focus on Carbohydrates and Peptides in Skin Applications
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Haresh S. Kalasariya, Carlos Eliel Maya-Ramírez, João Cotas and Leonel Pereira
Phycology 2024, 4(2), 276-313; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology4020015 - 27 May 2024
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The term ‘cosmeceutical’ refers to cosmetic products that offer medicinal or drug-like benefits. Marine algae are rich sources of bioactive compounds, particularly carbohydrates and peptides, which have gained attention for their potential in cosmeceuticals. These compounds are abundant, safe, and have minimal cytotoxicity
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The term ‘cosmeceutical’ refers to cosmetic products that offer medicinal or drug-like benefits. Marine algae are rich sources of bioactive compounds, particularly carbohydrates and peptides, which have gained attention for their potential in cosmeceuticals. These compounds are abundant, safe, and have minimal cytotoxicity effects. They offer various benefits to the skin, including addressing rashes, pigmentation, aging, and cancer. Additionally, they exhibit properties such as antimicrobial, skin-whitening, anti-aging, antioxidant, and anti-melanogenic effects. This review surveys the literature on the cosmeceutical potentials of algae-derived compounds, focusing on their roles in skin whitening, anti-aging, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial applications. The discussion also includes current challenges and future opportunities for using algae for cosmeceutical purposes.
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Open AccessArticle
Morphological and Molecular Characters Differentiate Common Morphotypes of Atlantic Holopelagic Sargassum
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Amy N. S. Siuda, Aurélie Blanfuné, Skye Dibner, Marc Verlaque, Charles-François Boudouresque, Solène Connan, Deborah S. Goodwin, Valérie Stiger-Pouvreau, Frédérique Viard, Florence Rousseau, Valérie Michotey, Jeffrey M. Schell, Thomas Changeaux, Didier Aurelle and Thierry Thibaut
Phycology 2024, 4(2), 256-275; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology4020014 - 7 May 2024
Abstract
Since 2011, massive new strandings of holopelagic Sargassum have been reported on the coasts of the Caribbean, northern Brazil, Guiana, and West Africa, causing severe economic and ecological damage. Three common morphotypes (S. fluitans III, S. natans I, and S. natans VIII)
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Since 2011, massive new strandings of holopelagic Sargassum have been reported on the coasts of the Caribbean, northern Brazil, Guiana, and West Africa, causing severe economic and ecological damage. Three common morphotypes (S. fluitans III, S. natans I, and S. natans VIII) were identified as responsible for these catastrophic events, with dominance shifts between them over time. However, the taxonomic status of these holopelagic Sargassum morphotypes remains unclear. Using an integrative taxonomy framework, combining a morphological study and molecular analyses, this study aimed to clarify their taxonomic status. Morphological analyses of 54 characters revealed no intermediate form between the three morphotypes, with the overall shape, nature of the axis, and size and shape of blades and vesicles being the most discriminating. An analysis of mitochondrial (IGS, cox2, cox3, mt16S rRNA, and nad6) and plastid (rbcL) markers confirmed the genetic divergence among the three morphotypes, with a lower level of divergence between the two S. natans morphotypes. Without additional molecular characterization, these morphotypes cannot be classified as three distinct species. However, due to their distinct morphological characteristics and sympatry within drifting aggregations, a revision of holopelagic species names is proposed, with Sargassum fluitans var. fluitans (for S. fluitans III), Sargassum natans var. natans (for S. natans I), and S. natans var. wingei (for S. natans VIII). This revision provides necessary clarity on the species involved in inundations of the tropical Atlantic.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Sargassum Golden Tides, a Global Problem)
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Open AccessArticle
Comprehensive Analysis of Biomass, Nutrient, and Heavy Metal Contributions of Pelagic Sargassum Species (Phaeophyceae) Inundations in South Florida
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Danielle C. Hatt, Natalie K. Bally, Lowell Andrew R. Iporac, Samantha Olszak, Justin E. Campbell and Ligia Collado-Vides
Phycology 2024, 4(2), 235-255; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology4020013 - 20 Apr 2024
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Pelagic Sargassum landings (hereby referred to as sargasso) increased dramatically in 2011 throughout the equatorial tropical Atlantic due to the formation of the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt (GASB). Despite increasing reports, understanding of local abundances and vegetative characteristics, especially in South Florida, remains
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Pelagic Sargassum landings (hereby referred to as sargasso) increased dramatically in 2011 throughout the equatorial tropical Atlantic due to the formation of the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt (GASB). Despite increasing reports, understanding of local abundances and vegetative characteristics, especially in South Florida, remains limited. From 2018 to 2021, sargasso was collected at two South Florida beaches, with additional sampling at a third beach to assess nutrient and heavy metal concentrations. Biomass landings varied greatly, with S. fluitans III predominant during the “peak season” (May to July) and S. natans I predominant in the “off season”, while S. natans VIII was consistently least abundant. This suggests that South Florida may receive sargasso from the Sargasso Sea during the low season and from the GASB during the peak sargasso season. Across all three morphotypes, mean nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents were 0.97% and 0.04% (dry weight), respectively. Out of the 16 heavy metals detected, our values were similar to those reported across the Caribbean. Arsenic was the most prevalent heavy metal, with sargasso containing epibionts having higher arsenic concentrations. These results provide comprehensive information to better understand the characteristics and potential origin of sargasso landings in South Florida.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Sargassum Golden Tides, a Global Problem)
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Post-Translational Regulation of a Bidomain Glycerol-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Catalyzing Glycerol Synthesis under Salinity Stress in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
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Itzela Cruz-Powell, Binita Subedi, Yeongho Kim, Daniela Morales-Sánchez and Heriberto Cerutti
Phycology 2024, 4(2), 213-234; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology4020012 - 18 Apr 2024
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Core chlorophytes possess glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenases (GPDs) with an unusual bidomain structure, consisting of a glycerol-3-phosphate phosphatase (GPP) domain fused to canonical GPD domains. These plastid-localized enzymes have been implicated in stress responses, being required for the synthesis of glycerol under high salinity and
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Core chlorophytes possess glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenases (GPDs) with an unusual bidomain structure, consisting of a glycerol-3-phosphate phosphatase (GPP) domain fused to canonical GPD domains. These plastid-localized enzymes have been implicated in stress responses, being required for the synthesis of glycerol under high salinity and triacylglycerols under nutrient deprivation. However, their regulation under varying environmental conditions is poorly understood. C. reinhardtii transgenic strains expressing constitutively bidomain GPD2 did not accumulate glycerol or triacylglycerols in the absence of any environmental stress. Although the glycerol contents of both wild type and transgenic strains increased significantly upon exposure to high salinity, cycloheximide, an inhibitor of cytoplasmic protein synthesis, abolished this response in the wild type. In contrast, GPD2 transgenic strains were still capable of glycerol accumulation when cultured in medium containing cycloheximide and NaCl. Thus, the pre-existing GPD2 protein appears to become activated for glycerol synthesis upon salt stress. Interestingly, staurosporine, a non-specific inhibitor of protein kinases, prevented this post-translational GPD2 protein activation. Structural modeling analyses suggested that substantial conformational rearrangements, possibly triggered by high salinity, may characterize an active GPD2 GPP domain. Understanding this mechanism(s) may provide insights into the rapid acclimation responses of microalgae to osmotic/salinity stress.
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Open AccessArticle
Global Chemical Characterization of Sargassum spp. Seaweeds from Different Locations on Caribbean Islands: A Screening of Organic Compounds and Heavy Metals Contents
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Jérôme Bauta, Elliot Calbrix, Sophie Capblancq, Christine Cecutti, Jérôme Peydecastaing, Christine Delgado Raynaud, Antoine Rouilly, Valérie Simon, Guadalupe Vaca-Medina, Virginie Vandenbossche, Emeline Vedrenne and Pascale De Caro
Phycology 2024, 4(2), 190-212; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology4020011 - 13 Apr 2024
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Large-scale strandings of Sargassum spp. seaweeds occur annually on the beaches of the Caribbean islands and cause major environmental, health, and economic problems. In order to support an approach of valorisation of algae, an exhaustive characterisation of the composition of these seaweeds has
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Large-scale strandings of Sargassum spp. seaweeds occur annually on the beaches of the Caribbean islands and cause major environmental, health, and economic problems. In order to support an approach of valorisation of algae, an exhaustive characterisation of the composition of these seaweeds has been performed by analysing the contents in alginates, structural carbohydrates (fucans and glucans), minerals, proteins, lipids, mannitol, polyphenols, and heavy metals. Nine batches were collected at different harvesting sites over the years 2021 and 2022, to estimate the spatial and temporal variation in Sargassum composition. A batch of floats was harvested and analysed to estimate the differences in composition between floats and whole algae. Samples collected during the same year (floats or entire plant, freshly collected or stored) showed no significant differences in composition. However, slight differences were observed between batches collected in the two years. Some samples showed significant amounts of heavy metals, especially arsenic. A detailed structural carbohydrates analysis was carried out and discussed with literature data. As the nitrogen content of algae is an interesting parameter for food or agronomic uses, protein analysis enabled us to calculate a new nitrogen–protein conversion factor, specific to these algae species.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Sargassum Golden Tides, a Global Problem)
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Qualitative Model of the Causal Interactions between Phytoplankton, Zooplankton, and Environmental Factors in the Romanian Black Sea
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Elena Bișinicu, Laura Boicenco, Elena Pantea, Florin Timofte, Luminița Lazăr and Oana Vlas
Phycology 2024, 4(1), 168-189; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology4010010 - 21 Mar 2024
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In order to analyze how environmental factors affect planktonic organisms along the Romanian Black Sea coast, this study created semi-quantitative models of the causal relationships between phytoplankton, zooplankton, and physicochemical parameters by utilizing user-friendly modeling tools. Eleven years of time-series data (March–September 2008–2018)
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In order to analyze how environmental factors affect planktonic organisms along the Romanian Black Sea coast, this study created semi-quantitative models of the causal relationships between phytoplankton, zooplankton, and physicochemical parameters by utilizing user-friendly modeling tools. Eleven years of time-series data (March–September 2008–2018) were used to investigate the relationships between phytoplankton, zooplankton, and environmental factors (such as temperature, salinity, and nutrients). Variables such as marine reporting units and phytoplankton species and classes were used to identify developmental patterns, utilizing the Mental Modeler platform to consider interactions between the physicochemical parameters and phytoplankton, phytoplankton and zooplankton, and zooplankton and physicochemical parameters. Although the increase in the overall number of elements and linkages was uncertain in waters with variable salinity compared to marine ones, the semi-quantitative models created for the three marine reporting units along the Romanian Black Sea coast were comparable in terms of complexity. Across the typical and examined types of phytoplankton proliferation (normal, abundant, and blooms), the number of components and connections in the case of phytoplankton blooms substantially decreased as species- and growth-promoting variables increased.
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Open AccessReview
Is Africa Ready to Use Phycoremediation to Treat Domestic Wastewater as an Alternative Natural Base Solution? A Case Study
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Paul J. Oberholster, Yolandi Schoeman and Anna-Maria Botha
Phycology 2024, 4(1), 153-167; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology4010009 - 12 Mar 2024
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This review outlines the potential of phycoremediation as a natural, cost-effective solution for domestic wastewater treatment in Africa, particularly focusing on its application in less densely populated and rural areas. The urgency of improving sanitation access, a key objective in both the Millennium
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This review outlines the potential of phycoremediation as a natural, cost-effective solution for domestic wastewater treatment in Africa, particularly focusing on its application in less densely populated and rural areas. The urgency of improving sanitation access, a key objective in both the Millennium Development Goals (2000–2015) and the Sustainable Development Goals (2015–2030), is underscored by the fact that half of Africa’s population suffers from diseases linked to inadequate water and sanitation facilities. South Africa, a focal point of this study, faces significant challenges in wastewater management. These include the limited capacity of wastewater treatment plants to handle the burgeoning wastewater volumes due to population growth, unregulated discharges causing fluctuating pollution levels, and high operational costs leading to improper sludge disposal and odor issues. Compounding these problems are frequent power outages, financial constraints impacting wastewater treatment plant operations and maintenance across Africa, and a lack of skilled personnel to manage these facilities.
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Open AccessArticle
Pelagic Sargassum as a Potential Vector for Microplastics into Coastal Ecosystems
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Dalila Aldana Arana, Tania P. Gil Cortés, Víctor Castillo Escalante and Rosa E. Rodríguez-Martínez
Phycology 2024, 4(1), 139-152; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology4010008 - 23 Feb 2024
Cited by 1
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Macroalgal blooms are increasing globally, with those linked to pelagic Sargassum affecting over 30 nations since 2011. As Sargassum mats traverse the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, they entrap and transport plastic to coastal areas, intensifying pollution in diverse ecosystems. This research
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Macroalgal blooms are increasing globally, with those linked to pelagic Sargassum affecting over 30 nations since 2011. As Sargassum mats traverse the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, they entrap and transport plastic to coastal areas, intensifying pollution in diverse ecosystems. This research assessed microplastics (MPs) within Sargassum fluitans III collected from the northern Mexican Caribbean coast (March 2021 to January 2022). The study employed a hydrogen peroxide protocol for macroalgae pretreatment to optimize MP extraction. All samples analyzed contained MPs at monthly mean concentrations that ranged from 3.5 to 15.3 MPs g−1 DW, with fibers constituting ≥90%. Fiber colors, mainly transparent, blue, and black, exhibited diverse sizes and wear stages. The study underscores the pervasive and consistent presence of MPs in pelagic Sargassum reaching the Mexican Caribbean. Considering the documented Sargassum influxes to this coast in recent years (2789–11,297 tons km−1 yr−1), potential annual MP influxes range from 0.1 × 109 to 17.3 × 109 km−1 yr−1. Efficiently removing beach-cast Sargassum and directing it to landfills could serve as a viable strategy for the simultaneous removal of attached MPs from the ocean and coastal waters, offering a promising mitigation strategy to combat plastic pollution in the examined marine environment.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Sargassum Golden Tides, a Global Problem)
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Open AccessReview
Reciprocal Effects of Metal Mixtures on Phytoplankton
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Ammara Nawaz, Pavlína Eliška Šotek and Marianna Molnárová
Phycology 2024, 4(1), 117-138; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology4010007 - 6 Feb 2024
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Several types of contaminants are anthropogenically introduced into natural aquatic ecosystems and interact with other chemicals and/or with living organisms. Although metal toxicity alone has been relatively well studied, the toxic metal ion effects in the mixture have been thoroughly studied only during
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Several types of contaminants are anthropogenically introduced into natural aquatic ecosystems and interact with other chemicals and/or with living organisms. Although metal toxicity alone has been relatively well studied, the toxic metal ion effects in the mixture have been thoroughly studied only during the last decades. This review focuses on the published reciprocal effects of different metals on different species of algae, together with describing their toxic effects on studied parameters. Phytoplankton as a bioindicator can help to estimate the reciprocal metal risk factor. Many methodologies have been developed and explored, such as the biotic ligand model (BLM), concentration addition (CA), independent action (IA), sensitivity distribution of EC50 species sensitivity distribution (SSD curves), and others, to study reciprocal metal toxicity and provide promising results, which are briefly mentioned too. From our review, we can commonly conclude the following: Zn acted antagonistically with most heavy metals (Al, Cu, Cd, and Ni). The Cu interaction with Cd, Fe, and Pb was mostly antagonistic. Cd showed synergistic behaviour with Hg, Cu, Zn, and Pb and antagonistic behaviour with Co and Fe in many cases. Methods and techniques need to be developed and optimised to determine reciprocal metal toxicity so that the ecotoxicological predictions made by using phytoplankton can be more accurate and related to real-time toxic metals risks to the aquatic ecosystem. This is the main objective of ecotoxicological tests for risk assessment. Understanding how metals enter algal cells and organelles can help to solve this challenge and was one of the main parts of the review.
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Open AccessArticle
Helicoid Morphology of Arthrospira platensis NIES-39 Confers Temperature Compensation in the Longitudinal Movement Velocity of Its Trichomes
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Hideaki Shiraishi, Mari Sasase and Ayano Sakaida Nakashima
Phycology 2024, 4(1), 104-116; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology4010006 - 3 Feb 2024
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The velocity of the gliding movement of filamentous cyanobacteria on a solid surface usually has a strong temperature dependency, and the higher the temperature, the faster the speed. Former studies on this phenomenon were conducted using filamentous cyanobacteria with straight morphology. We examined
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The velocity of the gliding movement of filamentous cyanobacteria on a solid surface usually has a strong temperature dependency, and the higher the temperature, the faster the speed. Former studies on this phenomenon were conducted using filamentous cyanobacteria with straight morphology. We examined the velocity of the gliding movement of Arthrospira platensis NIES-39 along its longitudinal axis to see if the same was true for this cyanobacterium with helicoid trichomes. Experimental results showed little temperature dependency in the velocity in a wide temperature range in this cyanobacterium. However, when we examined the velocity using mutants with straight trichomes, their velocity was strongly affected by temperature, like other formerly analyzed filamentous cyanobacteria. This result indicates that the helicoid morphology of A. platensis trichomes confers temperature compensation to their migration velocity, enabling them to keep a relatively constant velocity under various temperatures. Migration of wild-type trichomes is considerably suppressed compared to the straight-trichome mutants on solid media. The temperature compensation in the locomotion of this organism appears to be established as part of such a suppression. It was also found that the velocity of this cyanobacterium depended on the trichome length when they were atypically short (<250 µm); the shorter the trichomes, the slower the gliding movement tended to be. This result indicates that the coordinated action of a high number of cells constituting the trichome is required for efficient gliding movement.
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Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of Cell Rupture Techniques for the Extraction of Proteins from the Microalgae Tetradesmus obliquus
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César Augusto Sodré da Silva, Karen Vanessa Marimón Sibaja, Sabrina de Ramos Cizilio, José Roberto Miranda Júnior, Rejane de Castro Santana, Marcio Arêdes Martins, Maurício de Oliveira Leite, Eduardo Basílio de Oliveira and Jane Sélia dos Reis Coimbra
Phycology 2024, 4(1), 87-103; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology4010005 - 30 Jan 2024
Cited by 1
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The high protein content of several microalgal species makes them attractive and unconventional candidates for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Due to the robust cell walls of microalgae, cell rupture is necessary to improve the extraction of intracellular proteins. Thus, choosing
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The high protein content of several microalgal species makes them attractive and unconventional candidates for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Due to the robust cell walls of microalgae, cell rupture is necessary to improve the extraction of intracellular proteins. Thus, choosing a suitable cell-breaking treatment before protein extraction is a vital downstream processing step. Additionally, it is necessary to use an effective technique for monitoring and measuring the impact of rupture treatments on microalgal cell walls. In our study, Tetradesmus obliquus cells were disrupted using three different mechanical rupture methods: high-pressure homogenization (HPH), ultrasound (US), and ball milling (BM). The ruptured biomass cells were counted, and soluble proteins were extracted and quantified. The cell-counting technique did not detect any differences between intact and damaged cells after BM treatment because the dye (erythrosine B) did not permeate the microalgal biomass accurately. The US treatment promoted the highest yield of total protein extraction (19.95%), while the highest yields in the HPH and BM treatments were 15.68% and 14.11%, respectively. Since the cell breakage method affects protein extraction from microalgal biomass, protein release can be used as a central indicator of the degree of cell disruption.
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Open AccessArticle
DNA Barcode-Assisted Inventory of the Marine Macroalgae from the Azores, Including New Records
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Daniela Gabriel, William E. Schmidt, Joana Micael, Mónica Moura and Suzanne Fredericq
Phycology 2024, 4(1), 65-86; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology4010004 - 19 Jan 2024
Cited by 1
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Up to the present study, only 8.5% of the 522 macroalgal species reported at the Azores have sequences deposited in GenBank and BOLD public repositories. The sequences of four genetic markers (cox1, rbcL, UPA, tufA) were obtained for recently
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Up to the present study, only 8.5% of the 522 macroalgal species reported at the Azores have sequences deposited in GenBank and BOLD public repositories. The sequences of four genetic markers (cox1, rbcL, UPA, tufA) were obtained for recently collected samples from two Azorean islands. DNA barcode-assisted identification was conducted on newly generated and unpublished sequences from public repositories. A literature review of recently published studies, including the molecular identifications of Azorean macroalgae, was also performed. The results confirm the occurrence of 51 species (including subspecific ranks) and provide four new records, namely, three cryptogenic species (Olokunia boudouresquei, Padina gymnospora, and Ulva lacinulata) and one introduced species (Ulva australis). This study contributes 23 DNA barcodes generated for the first time to the Azores, which now has 10.5% of its marine flora represented in public repositories. Additionally, UPA sequences were generated for the first time for the five taxa.
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Open AccessArticle
Accessing the Efficacy of Sargassum-Based Aqueous Phase Products Derived from Hydrothermal Carbonisation and Hydrothermal Liquefaction on Plant Growth
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James Smith, Amy Pilsbury, Vinod Kumar, Eleni E. Karamerou, Christopher J. Chuck, Leopoldo Herrera-Rodriguez, Julio V. Suarez and Michael J. Allen
Phycology 2024, 4(1), 53-64; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology4010003 - 18 Jan 2024
Abstract
Mass Sargassum inundations have created opportunities for readily available biomass to be used as a crop enrichment application. However, the heavy metal contents of Sargassum pose serious concerns for crop administration and subsequent human consumption. Hydrothermal processing can break the feedstock components, allowing
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Mass Sargassum inundations have created opportunities for readily available biomass to be used as a crop enrichment application. However, the heavy metal contents of Sargassum pose serious concerns for crop administration and subsequent human consumption. Hydrothermal processing can break the feedstock components, allowing heavy metals to be partitioned, through the utilisation of high temperatures and pressures. As a result, seemingly nutrient-rich phases can be produced. Elemental analyses showed that Sargassum-derived fractions contain important macro- and micronutrients for plants, particularly ammonium, orthophosphate, and potassium, making them potential nutrient sources for plant growth. To date, no research has investigated the plant growth potential of hydrothermally processed Sargassum products from a bioavailability or biotoxicity perspective. We seek to determine if the aqueous phase products derived following Sargassum processing by hydrothermal carbonisation and liquefaction are toxic to higher plants, and if they can support plant growth. Aqueous phase products in ≥1% concentrations inhibit root growth and lateral root formation in Arabidopsis plants, likely from the presence of inhibitory compounds. However, aqueous phase products in ≤0.1% concentrations paired with an established nutrient mix may provide improved leaf and root growth. Both HTC and HTL were capable of eliciting improved foliage growth, while only HTC induced improved root growth. Conclusively, aqueous phase products lack nutrient potency to allow high dilutions for fertiliser application on their own and may contain inhibitory compounds that deter plant growth at high concentrations. However, they might have a purpose as an additive extract. The recovery of important elements needed for plant growth draws a promising path for future applications of hydrothermal processing with different feedstocks.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Sargassum Golden Tides, a Global Problem)
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Open AccessArticle
Production of the Macroalgae Ulva lactuca Integrated with the Shrimp Penaeus vannamei in a Biofloc System: Effect of Total Suspended Solids and Nutrient Concentrations
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Andrezza Carvalho, Ítalo Braga, Florencia Chaar, Alessandro Pereira Cardozo, José María Monserrat, Juan Rafael Buitrago Ramírez, Wilson Wasielesky, Jr. and Luís H. Poersch
Phycology 2024, 4(1), 37-52; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology4010002 - 31 Dec 2023
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This study focused on evaluating the effect of different concentrations of nutrients and total suspended solids on the removal rate of nutrients and biocompounds from the macroalgae U. lactuca in an integrated system with the shrimp Penaeus vannamei in biofloc. The experiment lasted
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This study focused on evaluating the effect of different concentrations of nutrients and total suspended solids on the removal rate of nutrients and biocompounds from the macroalgae U. lactuca in an integrated system with the shrimp Penaeus vannamei in biofloc. The experiment lasted 45 days and included five treatments with three replicates each, with percentages of 0 (control), 25, 50, 75, and 100% biofloc inoculum (73.3 ± 5.7 and 325.0 ± 21.2 mg L−1 initial nitrate and solids, respectively, in the 100% inoculum), from a shrimp farm, resulting in different concentrations of solids and nutrients. The macroalgae were introduced into 280 L tanks at a density of 0.88 kg m−2, along with 200 shrimp m−3. The algae were separated by a floating structure. Water quality parameters were measured, and the nutrient removal rate was evaluated. The treatment with 75% inoculum showed a removal rate of 55.0 ± 4.0 and 31.0 ± 10.0% of nitrate and phosphate, respectively. There was no difference in macroalgae growth between the treatments; however, macroalgae grown in 75% inoculum had higher protein, chlorophyll-a, and lower ash values compared with the control. The use of macroalgae in integrated production with shrimp under the conditions of the treatment with 75% biofloc inoculum proved to be viable and sustainable.
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Open AccessReview
Phytohormones and Pheromones in the Phycology Literature: Benchmarking of Data-Set and Developing Critical Tools of Biotechnological Implications for Commercial Aquaculture Industry
by
Sachin G. Rathod, Satej Bhushan and Vaibhav A. Mantri
Phycology 2024, 4(1), 1-36; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology4010001 - 21 Dec 2023
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Plant hormones and pheromones are natural compounds involved in the growth, development, and reproductive processes. There is a plethora of studies on hormones and pheromones in terrestrial plants, but such investigations are few in the phycological literature. There are striking similarities between the
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Plant hormones and pheromones are natural compounds involved in the growth, development, and reproductive processes. There is a plethora of studies on hormones and pheromones in terrestrial plants, but such investigations are few in the phycological literature. There are striking similarities between the chemical diversity, biosynthetic processes, roles, and actions of hormones and pheromones in both higher angiospermic plants and algae. However, there are substantial knowledge gaps in understanding the genes responsible for hormone biosynthesis and regulation in algae. Efforts have focused on identifying the genes and proteins involved in these processes, shedding light on lateral gene transfer and evolutionary outcomes. This comprehensive review contributes to benchmarking data and essential biotechnological tools, particularly for the aquaculture industry where seaweed is economically crucial. Advanced techniques in plant hormones and pheromones can revolutionize commercial aquaculture by using synthetic analogs to enhance growth, yield, and reproductive control, thereby addressing seasonal limitations and enabling sustainable seedling production. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review that focuses on biosynthetic pathways and modes of action (of five plant hormones and five pheromones), roles (of 11 hormones and 29 pheromones), and extraction protocols (of four hormones and six pheromones) reported in the phycological domain.
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Open AccessArticle
Preliminary Examinations of Phenotypical Changes in Land-Based Long-Term Tumble Culture of Palmaria palmata
by
Stefan Sebök, Martina Strittmatter, Claire M. M. Gachon and Dieter Hanelt
Phycology 2023, 3(4), 503-519; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology3040034 - 4 Dec 2023
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Within the last decade, the red alga P. palmata gained increasing interest as a food additive in Europe. Traditionally, P. palmata is harvested from wild stocks, but higher biomass demands request a shift towards industrial cultivation of this species. Using a land-based tumble
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Within the last decade, the red alga P. palmata gained increasing interest as a food additive in Europe. Traditionally, P. palmata is harvested from wild stocks, but higher biomass demands request a shift towards industrial cultivation of this species. Using a land-based tumble culture approach, we have successfully grown P. palmata via vegetative propagation over a 2-year period. One year after the initial setup, phenotypic changes represented in the formation of randomly shaped, mostly circular galls and homogeneous greenish–white spots with significantly reduced photosynthetic activity were observed on the algal thalli. With progressing time, galls increased into large flat or sunken structures, whereas the tissue in the center of the greenish–white spots weakened. In later stages, the weakened tissue is disrupted, forming holes in the thallus. In this study, we present observations, microscopy analysis, PAM results, and biotechnological approaches to describe a possible infection of P. palmata. Test results showed that light quantity might be the most important factor for the propagation behavior of the infection, whereas the pH level might be secondary, and the nutrient level and biomass density might be of minor relevance. Similarly, changes in light quality could also influence the occurrence of pathological changes in P. palmata.
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Open AccessArticle
Exploration of Microalgae-Activated Sludge Growth Performance in Lab-Scale Photobioreactors under Outdoor Environmental Conditions for Wastewater Biotreatment
by
Abraham O. James, Abayomi O. Bankole, Caroline M. E. Pompei, Gustavo A. S. A. Dantas, Graziele Ruas and Gustavo H. R. Silva
Phycology 2023, 3(4), 484-502; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology3040033 - 17 Nov 2023
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Increasing the volume of untreated and inadequately treated municipal wastewater undermines the circular economy potential of wastewater resources, particularly in low-income regions. This present study focused on and evaluated the performance of native microalgae-activated sludge (MAS) growth for tertiary treatment of anaerobically digested
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Increasing the volume of untreated and inadequately treated municipal wastewater undermines the circular economy potential of wastewater resources, particularly in low-income regions. This present study focused on and evaluated the performance of native microalgae-activated sludge (MAS) growth for tertiary treatment of anaerobically digested wastewater from an up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) in an outdoor lab-scale photobioreactor (2.2 L). Three conditions with distinct MAS inoculum concentrations alongside three controls were operated in batch mode for 5 days hydraulic retention time (HRT) at 11.5:12.5 photo-hours. The MAS inoculum concentration influenced the treatment outcome. The best performance was observed when the MAS concentration was 0.10/0.20 g L−1, and the cell density was 1.60 × 107 cells mL−1, total biomass productivity of 0.10 g TSS L−1 d−1, total phosphorus uptake of 85.1%, and total nitrogen uptake of 66.1%. Logarithmic removal (Log-Re) of bacterial pathogens (water quality indicators) showed Log-Re 3.4 for total coliforms (1.37 × 102 CFU 100 mL−1) and 4.7 for Escherichia coli (0.00 × 100 CFU 100 mL−1). The results revealed optimum remediation performance and nutrient recovery potential with appropriate inoculum concentration, in admiration to advancing the science of circular economy.
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Open AccessArticle
Cultivation of Cyanobacteria on Sustainable Dried Luffa cylindrica
by
Jonas Kollmen, Judith Stiefelmaier, Ramtin Mofrad and Dorina Strieth
Phycology 2023, 3(4), 472-483; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology3040032 - 8 Nov 2023
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Cyanobacteria are promising organisms for the sustainable production of various biotechnological interesting products. Due to their energy production via photosynthesis, the cultivation of cyanobacteria expands the CO2 cycle. Most cyanobacteria form biofilms on surfaces in their natural environment by surrounding the cells
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Cyanobacteria are promising organisms for the sustainable production of various biotechnological interesting products. Due to their energy production via photosynthesis, the cultivation of cyanobacteria expands the CO2 cycle. Most cyanobacteria form biofilms on surfaces in their natural environment by surrounding the cells with a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that hold the cells together. These special growth properties need special reactors for cultivation. By immobilizing cyanobacteria on carriers, systems currently established in industry could also be used for biofilm formers. Various artificial carriers for immobilized growth of cyanobacteria and microalgae have already been described in the literature. However, the use of waste materials or natural biodegradable carriers would be more sustainable and is, therefore, the focus of this study. Dried Luffa cylindrica, zeolite, and corn stalks were investigated for their use as carriers for cyanobacteria. L. cylindrica was shown to be an excellent natural carrier for (i) Anabaena cylindrica, (ii) Nostoc muscorum 1453-12a, and (iii) Nostoc muscorum 1453-12b. Higher or at least similar growth rates were achieved when cyanobacteria were cultivated with L. cylindrica compared to submerged cultivation. Additionally, the production of EPS and C-phycocyanin was increased at least 1.4 fold in all strains by culturing on L. cylindrica. The improved growth could be explained on the one hand by the high surface area of L. cylindrica and its properties, and, on the other hand, by the release of growth-promoting nutrients from L. cylindrica to the medium.
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