Marina Aboal

Production of microcystins in calcareous Mediterranean streams : The Alharabe River, Segura River basin in south-east Spain

The development of epilithic cyanobacteria communities in a Mediterranean calcareous stream in the province of Murcia (SE Spain) was studied during the course of one year in an attempt to clarify the environmental variables that influence the production of microcystins. The predominant cyanobacteria were species of Rivularia, which formed conspicuous colonies throughout the year. Seasonally, other species were abundant: Schizothrix fasciculata, Tolypothrix distorta and Phormidium splendidum. All the species collected produced microcystins to a varying degree (up to five varieties), while the benthic community as a whole produced concentrations as high as 20.45 mg m−2. At the same time, the presence of microcystins dissolved in water was confirmed. Among environmental variables, air temperature and silicate content were positively and strongly correlated with total microcystins, while nitrite, nitrate, orthophosphate, calcium and flow were negatively correlated with them. Dissolved microcystins were negatively correlated with microcystin LR, P.A.R. and total phosphorus and positively with rainfall. The production of microcystin YR seems to be regulated by different factors from those regulating the other main varieties (microcystin LR and microcystin RR). The data obtained indicate that all the tested benthic cyanobacteria produced microcystins in this shallow calcareous stream, which may contribute to their predominance in the prevailing conditions. The accumulation of microcystins in mucilaginous colonies of other groups of algae poses new questions concerning the possible ecological function of these compounds and needs further study.

Implications of cyanophyte toxicity on biological monitoring of calcareous streams in north-east Spain

There is increasing evidence that benthic cyanophytes in Mediterraneancalcareous streams can influence the macroinvertebrate community, probablydirectly due to toxicity. A study was therefore planned to establish whetherthis also influenced the results of indices used for the biological monitoringof stream water quality. Two indices (BMWPc based on macroinvertebrates; IBDbased on diatoms) widely used to assess water quality based on the diversity ofmacroinvertebrate and diatom assemblages were calculated for two unpollutedMediterranean calcareous streams in north-east Spain. The toxicity levelsof the cyanophyte communities were quantified by the Microtox test. There was aclear inverse relationship between the dominance of cyanophytes and the valuesobtained for the biological indices. It is recommended that cyanophyte biomassshould be incorporated in some way in the calibration of index values; the useof phycobiliprotein concentration and/or the chlorophyll a:phycobiliproteinratio is proposed.

Biodiversity of diatom assemblages in a Mediterranean semiarid stream: implications for conservation

Many semiarid streams are threatened both by human demands and climatic effects (global warming), but little is known about their algal biodiversity and their conservation value, especially in Mediterranean areas. The aim of the present study was to evaluate annual changes in the structure and species richness of diatom communities in runs and pools of an oligohaline, semiarid stream in south-eastern Spain, and their relationship with nutrients and hydrology. The pool substrate was covered most of the time by a yellow-brown coat, mainly composed of diatoms and a few cyanophytes (Leptolyngbya). In the runs, cyanophytes were dominant (Rivularia) and diatoms occurred as epiphytes. The diversity of these diatom assemblages was high, particularly in the pools. Some species were present throughout the year, whereas others showed a bimodal growth pattern. Maximum biomasses were reached in summer in the pools and in autumn in the runs, when levels of phosphorus increased as a result of flooding. Species richness and diversity were correlated with hydrology and sulfate concentrations, whereas biomass (as chlorophyll a and ash-free dry weight) was associated with variations in temperature, conductivity and ammonium. These semiarid streams are refuges of biodiversity, representing habitats reliant on cycles of drought and floods, which should be considered in proposals for their conservation.

Ultrastructure and function of stalks of the diatom Didymosphenia geminata

One of the most striking features of the diatom Didymosphenia geminata, which has increased markedly in abundance in a number of countries in recent years, is the very large branched stalks. In order to help understanding their role, an ultrastructural study was carried out on two populations, one from a stream in northern England and the other from a river on Vancouver Island, Canada. In both cases, the main part of the stalk had a central reticulate core surrounded by an outer region with dense fibres. A longitudinal structure in the uppermost part of the stalk just under the collar surrounding the base of the cell may perhaps correspond to a tube. The structure of the septa formed where branches divide is also described. Phosphomonoesterase activity known to be present in the stalks was shown to occur in the inner peripheral layers of the stalks and especially in the collar area. The results show that stalks have a complex structure suggesting their importance for their phosphatase activity to overcome low inorganic phosphate concentrations. Their large surface may function in herbivory avoidance, a better exposure of cells to turbulent conditions to increase nutrient uptake, adsorption of limiting elements and gas exchange.

Global sampling reveals low genetic diversity within Compsopogon (Compsopogonales, Rhodophyta)

Twenty-five specimens of the freshwater red alga Compsopogon were collected from locations in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Oceania, and from an aquarium, with the goal of determining genetic diversity among specimens and ascertaining the number of phylogenetic species. Specimens were morphologically identified as having either the ‘caeruleus’ morphology, with regular polyhedral cortical cells, or the ‘leptoclados’ morphology, with irregular cortical cells with rhizoidal outgrowths. The ‘leptoclados’ morphology has been used by some researchers to distinguish the genus Compsopogonopsis from Compsopogon, or at least to distinguish C. leptoclados from other Compsopogon species. Sequence data for the rbcL gene and cox1 barcoding region were obtained for most specimens. In addition, SSU and partial LSU (barcode) rDNA were explored for a few specimens, but all sequences were identical. For the 25 newly generated and eight previously published rbcL gene data, there were seven unique haplotypes, but the sequence divergence was very low (≤7 bp, ≤ 0.7%). One haplotype was widespread, represented by 21 specimens from diverse locations in all regions sampled. Likewise, the 22 new and one previously published cox1 barcode region sequences yielded seven unique haplotypes with little sequence divergence (≤13 bp, ≤ 2.0%). One haplotype was widespread, being shared among 16 specimens from all regions. The combined molecular and morphological data showed no genetic differentiation between the ‘caeruleus’ and ‘leptoclados’ morphologies. The ubiquitous distribution of Compsopogon in tropical/subtropical regions and its low genetic variation are probably facilitated by the algas ability to tolerate a wide range of stream conditions and its propagation via asexual spores. Given the findings of previous culture-based studies, morphometric research and field observations, coupled with the results of our study, we conclude there is only a single monospecific genus worldwide and that the species is correctly called C. caeruleus, since this is the oldest validly published name; all other previously described species of Compsopogon and Compsopogonopsis are synonyms.

The Aquatic Microphytes and Macrophytes of the Transvase Tajo-Segura Irrigation System, Southeastern Spain

The aquatic plant communities of the irrigation channels of the Transvase Tajo-Segura project are described in order to assess the various options for the control of nuisance vegetation. The low flow rate permits relatively complex planktonic assemblages in addition to epipelic cyanophytes, diatoms and chlorophyes. The only macrophytes to establish themselves in the bottom sediment and form well developed mats were Cladophora glomerata and Potamogeton pectinatus. The water quality of these channels is characterised by high temperature, pH, conductivity and sulphate and chloride concentrations. Moreover, the channels may remain dry for several months.

Morphology, fine structure, life cycle and phylogenetic analysis of Phyllosiphon arisari, a siphonous parasitic green alga

Phyllosiphon arisari Kühn (Phyllosiphonaceae, Chlorophyta) commonly occurs in Arisarum leaves in coastal Mediterranean areas of the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic islands. The genus Phyllosiphon was first considered to be a member of the Xanthophyceae but was later transferred to the chlorophytes. However, there are few data about its morphology, ultrastructure, ecology or phylogenetic affinities. In this paper we describe the morphology of Phyllosiphon, as studied in field material and in culture; the fine structure, analysed by transmission electron microscopy; and phylogenetic relationships, inferred from DNA sequences. The siphonous filaments were seen to divide and penetrate leaf tissues. The cytoplasm divided into spherical or subspherical sporocysts producing autospores inside. Cytoplasmic remains could be observed between autospores or on their cell walls. Phylogenetic analysis of 18S rDNA and 16S rDNA sequences showed that the closest relatives of Phyllosiphon are subaerial strains of Heterochlorella, Heveochlorella and Kalinella, demonstrating that Phyllosiphon should be transferred to Trebouxiophyceae. An evolution from unicells to a siphonous thallus, and from aerophytic to endophytic and parasitic habits, is proposed for Trebouxiophyceae.

VALIDATION OF NEW COMBINATIONS

The following new combinations were invalidly published in Aboal et al. “Floristic list of the non marine diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) of Iberian Peninsula, Balearic Islands and Canary Islands. Updated taxonomy and bibliography” (Diatom Monographs vol. 4, 2003) are validated herein:

Decoding cyanobacterial phylogeny and molecular evolution using an evonumeric approach.

Forty-one heterocystous cyanobacteria strains representing 12 cyanobacterial genera collected from all across India were assessed in phylogenetic and evolutionary perspectives. The structural gene 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and the functional genes nifD and psbA were selected as molecular chronometers in this study. The phylogenetic analyses demonstrated the monophyly of heterocystous cyanobacteria with significant intermixing, along with establishing the polyphyly of Stigonematales, strongly supporting the need for re-amendments in cyanobacterial taxonomy and systematics. Molecular trends obtained did not clearly reflect the phenotypic affiliations, thus advocating for genetic characterizations using more molecular markers. Large-scale evonumeric extrapolations of gene sequence data of all the three molecular markers was performed to assess the evolutionary pace of heterocystous cyanobacteria on the basis of nucleotide diversity, recombination frequencies, and the DNA divergence between the sampled taxa. The obtained results tilted the evolutionary pace in favor of the less complex Nostocales thus indicating that possibly the simple non-branched forms are more flexible and adaptive for evolutionary diversifications as compared to the more complex and branched ones. This study hence represents a unique blend of molecular phylogeny with evogenomic sequence analyses for understanding the genetic diversity, phylogeny, and evolutionary pace within the heterocystous cyanobacteria.

Environmental gradients and macroalgae in Mediterranean marshes: the case of Pego-Oliva marsh (East Iberian Peninsula)

Although Mediterranean marshes have historically suffered high anthropogenic pressure, they have maintained their remarkable biodiversity. They are severely threatened but remain comparatively unexplored systems from the algological point of view. For example, most of the indexes proposed for monitoring ecological quality are based on diatoms and very few have explored the use of macroalgae. The Pego-Oliva marsh is located in the east of the Iberian Peninsula close to the Mediterranean coast with warm annual temperature and fairly high precipitation. The aims of this study were to ascertain the ecological variables that explained macroalgal distribution in the Pego-Oliva marsh and to assess their indicator value. Macroalgal biodiversity was seen to be high (50 taxa) despite the high nitrogen concentration of the marsh. All the environmental variables studied had a broad range of variation throughout the marsh, especially conductivity (500-12290 μS/cm), temperature (14.3-31.7 °C), nitrate (9.493-64.113 mg/L) and ammonium (0.004-0.814 mg/L). A clear gradient of conductivity and dissolved oxygen was observed from fresh to saltwater. Batrachospermum arcuatum, Calothrix parietina, Chaetophora tuberculosa, Draparnaldia mutabilis, Hildenbrandia angolensis and Leptolyngbya angustissima were seen to act as indicators of low conductivity and dissolved inorganic nitrogen, and high dissolved oxygen, while Calothrix pulvinata, Ulva intestinalis, Homoeothrix violacea, Phormidium tergestinum and Thorea violacea were indicators of high conductivity and low dissolved nitrogen habitats. Cladophora glomerata, Compsopogon coeruleus, Polysiphonia subtilissima and Ulva flexuosa are the most widespread species and have a broad ecological range. Irrigation ditches have high ammonium and low dissolved oxygen concentrations and host infrequently reported species like Kumanoa mahlacensis. The data presented confirm the usefulness of macroalgae for the ecological monitoring of marshes, while increasing our knowledge of the distribution and ecological range of some species. However, more experimental work is needed to know the tolerance range of species living in dynamic systems like Mediterranean marshes.