Enhancement of algal growth in Cyanophyta–bacteria systems by carbonaceous compounds

Planktonic blue-green algae are always associated with bacteria. This association leads to enhanced or abundant algal growth when atmospheric carbon dioxide becomes a limiting factor and bacteria-assimilable carbonaceous matter is added. The study was carried out with 12 bacteria-associated blue-green species and 22 aliphatic, bacteria-assimilable carbon compounds. A normal, phosphate-rich Zehnder–Gorham culture medium (No. 11) was used. The bacterial assimilation of the aliphatic matter apparently leads to the production of CO2, which accelerates algal photosynthesis. The observed growth effects are not specific for a particular algal species. They appear to be specific mainly for the bacteria which happen to be associated with the algal cells. Similar growth enhancement was observed when the atmosphere was enriched with 0.5% CO2. With this augmented supply of atmospheric CO2, however, the enhancing effect of organic matter disappeared. The presence of the organic additives also appears to delay bacterial assimilation of organic chelating agents which have been added to keep iron and essential trace elements accessible to the algae in an alkaline medium. Axenic cultures of those algal species which cannot use added carbonaceous compounds did not show any effect of the additive. The results suggest that bacteria-assimilable carbon compounds may be one of the factors leading to algal bloom in lakes and ponds, especially when growth is not limited by the supply of phosphorus or other inorganic elements.

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Toxic or Otherwise Harmful Algae and the Built Environment

Toxins ◽

10.3390/toxins13070465 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 465

Author(s):

Wolfgang Karl Hofbauer

Keyword(s):

Built Environment ◽

Green Algae ◽

Global Climate ◽

Algal Species ◽

Algal Growth ◽

Harmful Algae ◽

Special Group ◽

Comprehensive Overview ◽

Blue Green Algae ◽

Nature Literature

This article gives a comprehensive overview on potentially harmful algae occurring in the built environment. Man-made structures provide diverse habitats where algae can grow, mainly aerophytic in nature. Literature reveals that algae that is potentially harmful to humans do occur in the anthropogenic environment in the air, on surfaces or in water bodies. Algae may negatively affect humans in different ways: they may be toxic, allergenic and pathogenic to humans or attack human structures. Toxin-producing alga are represented in the built environment mainly by blue green algae (Cyanoprokaryota). In special occasions, other toxic algae may also be involved. Green algae (Chlorophyta) found airborne or growing on manmade surfaces may be allergenic whereas Cyanoprokaryota and other forms may not only be toxic but also allergenic. Pathogenicity is found only in a special group of algae, especially in the genus Prototheca. In addition, rare cases with infections due to algae with green chloroplasts are reported. Algal action may be involved in the biodeterioration of buildings and works of art, which is still discussed controversially. Whereas in many cases the disfigurement of surfaces and even the corrosion of materials is encountered, in other cases a protective effect on the materials is reported. A comprehensive list of 79 taxa of potentially harmful, airborne algae supplemented with their counterparts occurring in the built environment, is given. Due to global climate change, it is not unlikely that the built environment will suffer from more and higher amounts of harmful algal species in the future. Therefore, intensified research in composition, ecophysiology and development of algal growth in the built environment is indicated.

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Speculations on a possible essential function of the gelatinous sheath of blue-green algae

Canadian Journal of Microbiology ◽

10.1139/m76-171 ◽

1976 ◽

Vol 22 (8) ◽

pp. 1181-1185 ◽

Cited By ~ 54

Author(s):

Willy Lange

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Natural Waters ◽

Algal Cell ◽

Algal Species ◽

Algal Growth ◽

Surrounding Water ◽

Blue Green Algae ◽

Green Algal ◽

Vigorous Growth ◽

Associated Species

Voluminous and often fluffy sheaths surrounding blue-green algal cells are observed (a) in productive natural waters, (b) in bacteria-containing laboratory cultures growing in inorganic nutrient media with added bacteria-assimilable organic matter, and (c) in axenic cultures in the same inorganic media even without added organic matter. The sheaths of bacteria-associated species in inorganic media without added organic matter are, by comparison, thin, and growth is meager. Repeated observations show that voluminous sheaths and vigorous growth of algal species are associated. It is suggested that formation and retention of a voluminous sheath provide a microenvironment around the algal cell where essential nutrients, present at only submarginal levels in the surrounding water, are concentrated and become readily available to the cell. This increase in nutrient concentration above a critical level, in turn, leads to vigorous algal growth. The voluminous sheath produced by the alga is not attacked by alga-associated bacteria when other assimilable organic matter is available: but in the absence of a more suitable food, the bacteria feed on the less desirable gelatinous sheath, markedly reducing its thickness and causing meager algal growth.

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Lake Paranoá, Brasília, Brazil: Integrated Management Plan for its Restoration

Water Quality Research Journal ◽

10.2166/wqrj.1992.019 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 271-286 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Sonia Paulino Mattos ◽

Irene Guimarães Altafin ◽

Hélio José de Freitas ◽

Cristine Gobbato Brandão Cavalcanti ◽

Vera Regina Estuqui Alves

Keyword(s):

Total Phosphorus ◽

Drainage Basin ◽

Integrated Management ◽

Algal Growth ◽

Nutrient Content ◽

Management Plan ◽

Cylindrospermopsis Raciborskii ◽

Phosphorus Concentration ◽

Limiting Factor ◽

Total Phosphorus Concentration

Abstract Built in 1959, Lake Paranoá, in Brasilia, Brazil, has been undergoing an accelerated process of nutrient enrichment, due to inputs of inadequately treated raw sewage, generated by a population of 600,000 inhabitants. Consequently, it shows high nutrient content (40 µg/L of total phosphorus and 1800 µg/L of total nitrogen), low transparency (0.65 m) and high levels of chlorophyll a (65 µg/L), represented mainly by Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii and sporadic bloom of Microcystis aeruginosa, which is being combatted with copper sulphate. With the absence of seasonality and a vertical distribution which is not very evident, the horizontal pattern assumes great importance in this reservoir, in which five compartments stand out. Based on this segmentation and on the identification of the total phosphorus parameter as the limiting factor for algal growth, mathematical models were developed which demonstrate the need for advanced treatment of all the sewage produced in its drainage basin. With this, it is expected that a process of restoration will be initiated, with a decline in total phosphorus concentration to readings below 25 µg/L. Additional measures are proposed to accelerate this process.

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Amelioration of sodic soils with blue-green algae

Soil Research ◽

10.1071/sr9810361 ◽

1981 ◽

Vol 19 (3) ◽

pp. 361 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

D Subhashini ◽

BD Kaushik

Keyword(s):

Electrical Conductivity ◽

Hydraulic Conductivity ◽

Nitrogen Content ◽

Total Nitrogen ◽

Algal Growth ◽

Algal Flora ◽

Exchangeable Sodium ◽

Sodic Soils ◽

Blue Green Algae ◽

Biological Input

Algal growth resulted in significant reductions in pH, electrical conductivity, exchangeable sodium and in hydraulic conductivity and aggregation status of the soil. There was a significant increase in the total nitrogen content of the soil due to algal growth. Two out of the three inoculated species of algae could establish in the pots along with the indigenous algal flora. Combination of gypsum and algal application were found to have appreciable reclamative properties, and the possibility of using algae as a biological input for the reclamation of sodic soils has been indicated.

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Modelling multi-species algal bloom in a lake and inter-algal competitions

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.2009.632 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 60 (10) ◽

pp. 2599-2611 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Monzur Alam Imteaz ◽

Abdallah Shanableh ◽

Takashi Asaeda

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Algal Bloom ◽

Ecological Model ◽

Algal Species ◽

Dynamic Responses ◽

Bubble Plume ◽

Deep Lake ◽

Blue Green Algae ◽

Artificial Mixing ◽

Using Data

A numerical model was developed to simulate water quality and algal species composition in a deep lake. As artificial destratification is widely used in the lakes, a destratification (bubble plume) model was incorporated with the ecological model to simulate the dynamic responses of different species under artificial mixing. The ecological model predicts concentrations of PO4-P, NH4-N, NO3-N, DO and pH throughout the water column, all of which have a significant influence on the growth of different algal species. The model has been calibrated using data from Uokiri Lake (Japan) for two different species (Diatom and Cyanobacteria) with and without artificial mixing. The calibrated model was used to simulate different conditions of artificial mixing within the lake over a period of five months. The simulation results show that artificial mixing favors non-motile heavier species, such as Diatom, while preventing the growth of Blue-green algae. It is also demonstrated that intermittent operation of the artificial mixing is better for water quality amelioration than continuous operation.

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Sources of CO2for Nuisance Blooms of Algae

Weed Science ◽

10.1017/s0043174500036225 ◽

1972 ◽

Vol 20 (5) ◽

pp. 492-497 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Claude E. Boyd

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Algal Blooms ◽

Algal Growth ◽

Pond Water ◽

Equilibrium System ◽

Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽

Decomposition Of Organic Matter ◽

High Alkalinity ◽

Algal Photosynthesis ◽

Nuisance Algal Blooms

Bacterial production of CO2from sucrose substrate increased growth of seven species of algae in CO2-limited laboratory cultures. Decomposition of organic matter in pond water also supplied enough CO2to support good algal growth in cultures deprived of other sources of CO2. Estimates of CO2production from decay of dissolved organic matter in six pond waters ranged from 0.32 to 3.53 mg/L per 24 hr. The carbonate-bicarbonate equilibrium system is a major source of CO2for algal photosynthesis. However, in waters of low or extremely high alkalinity, this system will not support high rates of photosynthesis. In such waters CO2from decomposition will stimulate photosynthesis. Decomposable organic compounds must be considered with nitrogen and phosphorus as factors responsible for accelerated eutrophication and nuisance algal blooms.

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A Preliminary Study of the Effect of Bioavailable Fe and Co on the Anaerobic Digestion of Rice Straw

Energies ◽

10.3390/en12040577 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 577 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Gabriele Mancini ◽

Stefano Papirio ◽

Piet Lens ◽

Giovanni Esposito

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Anaerobic Digestion ◽

Rice Straw ◽

Microbial Growth ◽

Volatile Fatty Acids ◽

Limiting Factor ◽

Bioavailable Fraction ◽

Essential Trace Elements ◽

Biomethane Production ◽

Preliminary Study

Rice straw is an abundant and sustainable substrate for anaerobic digestion (AD), but it is often deficient in essential trace elements (TEs) for proper microbial growth and metabolism. A lack of TEs leads to AD imbalances and suboptimal biogas yields. However, the total TE concentration is not a sufficient indicator of the amount of TEs available to the microorganisms. Therefore, this study investigated the degree of bioavailability of iron (Fe) and cobalt (Co) during the AD of rice straw, and correlated it to the biomethane yields and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) produced. When the two TEs were dosed at 205 µg Fe/g TS and 18 µg Co/g TS of rice straw, the biomethane production was approximately 260 mL CH4/g VS, i.e., similar to that obtained when Fe and Co were not added. Despite an increased bioavailable fraction of 23 and 48% for Fe and Co, respectively, after TEs addition, the AD performance was not enhanced. Moreover, VFAs did not exceed 250 mg HAc/L both in the presence and absence of added TEs, confirming no enhancement of the methanogenesis step. Therefore, the bioavailability of Fe and Co was not a limiting factor for the biomethane production at low total VFAs concentration.

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Formation Characteristics of Formaldehyde and the Formaldehyde Precursors Which Release Formaldehyde through Thermal Decomposition in Water

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.1992.0315 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 25 (11) ◽

pp. 371-378

Author(s):

H. Yamada ◽

S. Matsui

Keyword(s):

Thermal Decomposition ◽

Surface Water ◽

Oxidation Process ◽

Algal Growth ◽

The Other ◽

Culture Solution ◽

Growth Cycles ◽

Blue Green Algae ◽

Oxidation Processes ◽

Chemical Structures

The amount of formaldehyde (FA) in surface water and the amount of FA formed by boiling the water were analyzed. Formation characteristics of FA and of the formaldehyde precursors which release FA through thermal decomposition (FA-PTDs), in surface water and the culture solution of blue-green algae (Phormidiumtenue and Anabaenamacrospora), were investigated. The characteristics by ozonation were also investigated. FA is released by the artificial oxidation process such as ozonation and by thermal decomposition. It is also released from a natural oxidation process in lake water during algal growth cycles. However, FA and FA-PTDs are biodegradable and do not last long in water. At present, it is not clear what kind of chemical structures FA-PTDs have. In general, FA-PTDs are different from the other formaldehyde precursors which form FA through artificial oxidation processes such as chlorination and ozonation. However, it is indicated that there is a certain type of FA-PTDs which can also be a formaldehyde precursor which easily forms FA by oxidation.

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EXAMPLES OF NATURAL PHOTOGRAPHY FROM RENFREW COUNTY, ONTARIO

Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences ◽

10.1139/e67-038 ◽

1967 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 619-623 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

V. A. Saull

Keyword(s):

Solar Radiation ◽

Green Algae ◽

Algal Growth ◽

Growth Patterns ◽

Field Site ◽

Blue Green Algae ◽

Photographic Records

Blue-green algae grow on water-covered carbonate bedrock in the Bonnechere River 2 miles (3.2 km) northwest of Eganville, Renfrew County, Ontario. The algal growth is sunlight-controlled, and the growth patterns are photographic records of present-day solar radiation at the field site. Equivalent patterns may be identifiable in ancient rocks, and if so, could be used to determine paleodirections, and possibly paleolatitudes as well.

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