The abundance,distribution,and enrichment mechanism of harmful trace elements in coals from Guizhou,Southwestern China

Coal seams can enrich a variety of harmful trace elements under specific geological conditions.The spatial distribution of harmful trace elements in coal is extremely uneven,and the distribution characteristics of each element content are different.The harmful elements released in the process of coal mining and utilization will cause serious harm to the environment and the human body.It is of great resource significance to study the geochemistry of coal that affects the enrichment and distribution characteristics of harmful trace elements.Based on the domestic and foreign literature on coal geochemistry in Guizhou published by previous investigators,this study counted 1097 sample data from 23 major coal-producing counties in Guizhou Province,systematically summarized the relevant research results of harmful trace elements in the coal of Guizhou,and revealed the overall distribution and enrichment characteristics of harmful trace elements in the coal of Guizhou.The results show that the average contents of Cd,Pb,Se,Cu,Mo,U,V,As,Hg,and Cr in coal of Guizhou are higher than those in Chinese coal and world coal.A variety of harmful trace elements in the coal of Guizhou have high background values,especially in Liupanshui,Xingyi and Qianbei coalfield.The enrichment of various harmful trace elements in the Late Permian coal in Guizhou is mainly related to the combined action of various geological and geochemical factors.The supply of terrigenous debris and sedimentary environment may be the basic background of the enrichment of harmful elements in western Guizhou,while low-temperature hydrothermal activity and volcanic ash deposition may be the main reasons for the enrichment of harmful elements in southwestern Guizhou.

Factors inducing morphological transition in harmful algal bloom-forming species Phaeocystis globosa with emphasis on predator chemical cue

The microalga Phaeocystis globosa is recognized as a harmful alga and also one of the few keystone phytoplankton genera that shape the structure and function of marine ecosystems.P.globosa possess a complex polymorphic life cycle,exhibiting phase alternation between free-living cells of approximately 3-6μm in diameter and gelatinous colonies(palmelloid stage)reaching several millimeters.The knowledge on the factors that induced the morphological transition of P.globosa in the last two decades was reviewed.Emphasis is given to infochemicals,an additional biological factor induced by predator,with the attempt to reveal a relevant mechanism of induced morphological defense.

Changes of Water Temperature and Harmful Algal Bloom in the Daya Bay in the Northern South China Sea

Economic development around the Daya Bay, China has profoundly affected the marine environment in the bay area in recent years, particularly since the operation of Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station （DNPS） in 1994. This study analyzed the changes of water temperature and harmful algal blooms （HABs） for two periods： 1983-1993 and 1994-2004, using in situ and satellite data. Results showed that yearly mean surface water temperature （SWT） and Chl-a concentration （Chl-a） increased by 1.1 ℃ and 1.9 mg/m^3, respectively, after 1994. The monthly occurrence of HAB was found to have increased also. HABs appeared only in spring and autumn before 1994, but occurred all the year round after 1994. SWT, Chl-a and HABs all increased significantly in May. Those changes were associated with environmental changes in this area, such as thermal discharge from the DNPS and enhancement of eutrophication from human activities around the Daya Bay.

Fluorescence-assisted Image Analysis of Harmful Microalgae

In order to realize the detection and analysis of microalgae in sediment samples with complex scenes, the project takes advantage of the character of microalgae that they can auto-fluoresce when exposed to the illumination of certain exciation waves. The project takes grey-scale and fluorescent pictures of microalgae in the same field of view and uses the image processing technique to deal with the images, such as threshold segmentation, contour and texture analysis and pattern recognition. The results show that the fluorescent image can effectively elimate the yawp in the complex background and make the consequent image processing more effective and easy. Then the project comes to the conclusion that fluorescence-assisted image processing can realize the detection and analysis of microalgae in sediment samples containing complex scenes.

Effects of temperature, salinity, and irradiance on the growth of harmful algal bloom species Phaeocystis globosa Scherffel(Prymnesiophyceae) isolated from the South China Sea

Blooms of Phaeocystis globosa have been frequently reported in Chinese coastal waters, causing serious damage to marine ecosystems. To better understand the ecological characteristics of P. globosa in Chinese coastal waters that facilitate its rapid expansion, the effects of temperature, salinity and irradiance on the growth of P. globosa from the South China Sea were examined in the laboratory. The saturating irradiance for the growth ofP. globosa （Is） was 60 μmol/（m^2·s）, which was lower than those of other harmful algal species （70-114μmol/（m^2·s））. A moderate growth rate of 0.22/d was observed at 2 μmol/（m^2·s） （the minimum irradiance in the experiment）, and photo-inhibition did not occur at 230 μmol/（m^2·s） （the maximum irradiance in the experiment）. Exposed to 42 different combinations of temperatures （10- 31 ℃） and salinities （10-40） under saturating irradiance, P. globosa exhibited its maximum specific growth rate of 0.80/d at the combinations of 24℃ and 35, and 27℃ and 40. The optimum growth rates （〉0.80/d） were observed at temperatures ranging from 24 to 27℃ and salinities from 35 to 40. While P. globosa was able to grow well at temperatures from 20℃ to 31℃ and salinities from 20 to 40, it could not grow at temperatures lower than 15℃ or salinities lower than 15. Factorial analysis revealed that temperature and salinity has similar influences on the growth of this species. This strain ofP. globosa not only prefers higher temperatures and higher salinity, but also possesses a flexible nutrient competing strategy, adapted to lower irradiance. Therefore, the P. globosa population from South China Sea should belong to a new ecotype. There is also a potentially high risk of blooms developing in this area throughout the year.

Distribution Characteristics of Sulfur and the Main Harmful Trace Elements in China's Coal

To promote the rational development and use of clean coal resources in China, data on the regional and age distribution of sulfur, arsenic and other harmful elements in Chinese coal was broadly collected, tested for content, and analyzed. Coal in northwestern China is characterized by low to extremely low levels of sulfur; the coal of the Taiyuan Formation in northern China mainly has high-sulfur content; that of the Shanxi Formation is mainly characterized by low sulfur coal; and the Late Permian coal in southern China has overall higher sulfur content; other regions have low sulfur coal. The average content of harmful trace elements in the bulk of China＇s coal is similar to the corresponding content in the coal of the North America and the rest of the world, whereas the content of various elements （Hg, Sb and Se） is different in magnitude to the corresponding percentage in the crust. The average content of the elements Cr, Se, Co, Be, U, Br in Late Permian coal in S China ranks first in the country whereas the average content of Hg and CI in the coals of Late Carboniferous to Early Permian age in N China are the highest. The average content of Mn in Early and Middle Jurassic coal is higher in NW China. The high content of harmful elements in some coal should cause particular concern both in the development and utilization of coal.

Effects of ambient DIN:DIP ratio on the nitrogen uptake of harmful dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum and Prorocentrum donghaiense in turbidistat

The effects of varying nitrogen （N）： phosphorus （P） ratios on the growth and N-uptake and assimilation of the harmful dinoflagellates Prorocentrum minimum and Prorocentrum donghaiense were examined in turbidistat culture experiments. Algal cultures were supplied with media containing PO4^3- in various concentrations to obtain a wide range of N：P ratios. Experiments to determine rates of N uptake and assimilation of different N sources （NO^3-, NH4^＋, urea and glycine by P. minimum and NO3^-, NH4^＋ by P. donghaiense） were conducted using ^15-N tracer techniques at each N：P ratio. The growth rates suggested nutrient limitation at both high and low N：P ratios relative to the Redfield ratio. On a diel basis, the growth of both species was regulated by the light-dark cycle, which may be a result of regulation of both lightdependent growth and light-independent nutrient uptake. Maximum growth rates of both species always occurred at the beginning of light phase. In P-rich medium （low N：P ratio）, both species had higher N assimilation rates, suggesting N limitation. Low assimilation coefficients at high N：P ratios suggested P limitation of N uptake and assimilation. NO3 ^-and NH4^＋ contributed more than 90% of the total N uptake of P. minimum. Reduced N sources were more quickly assimilated than NO3^-. Highest average daily growth rates were recorded near an N：P ratio of 12 for both species. The N uptake rates of cultures at N：P ratios near Redfield ratio were more balanced with growth rates. The linkage between growth rates and N uptake/assimilation rates were conceptually described by the variation of cell N quota. The N：P ratios affect the N uptake and growth of Prorocentrum spp., and may regulate their bloom progression in eutrophic ecosystems.

Spatio-temporal variations of harmful algal blooms along the coast of Guangdong,Southern China during 1980–2016

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have become a recurring problem, posing severe impacts on marine ecosystems, fisheries, mariculture industry, and even public health. In this study, the geographic information system (GIS) was utilized to determine spatial and temporal characteristics of HAB events in the coastal waters of Guangdong from 1980–2016. We analyzed distribution patterns and characteristics of HABs by dividing the coast of Guangdong into well-known bays, estuary and coastal waters. Results showed that there were a total of 337 HABs recorded in Guangdong coastal waters. Spatial and temporal distributions varied among diff erent regions. Most HABs occurred in the Mirs Bay, followed by the west coast of Daya Bay, while a few occurred in the west and east coasts of Guangdong but with an increasing trend in the past two decades. HABs occurred mostly in warmer months of March to May in the western coast of Guangdong, March and April in Mirs Bay, April in Zhujiang (Pearl) River estuary, November in eastern coast of Guangdong. For Daya Bay, most HABs were reported between March and September. The most frequently occurring HABs species were Noctiluca scintillans , Phaeocystis globosa , Skeletonema costatum and Scrippsiella trochoidea , occurring mostly in Mirs Bay, western Guangdong coast area, eastern Guangdong coast area and Zhujiang River estuary and Daya Bay, respectively. Ichthyotoxic blooms were more common than toxic blooms, and Heterosigma akashiwo , Chattonella marina , Karenia mikimotoi and P haeocystis globosa were the most common ichthyotoxic species. Our results provide baseline information useful for policy making and management of HABs in the region.

Potentially harmful metals,and health risk evaluation in groundwater of Mardan,Pakistan:Application of geostatistical approach and geographic information system

This study investigates the values of pH,total dissolved solids(TDS),elevation,oxidative reduction potential(ORP),temperature,and depth,while the concentrations of Br,and potentially harmful metals(PHMs)such as Cr,Ni,Cd,Mn,Cu,Pb,Co,Zn,and Fe in the groundwater samples.Moreover,geographic information system(GIS),XLSTAT,and IBM SPSS Statistics 20 software were used for spatial distribution modeling,principal component analysis(PCA),cluster analysis(CA),and Quantile-Quantile(Q-Q)plotting to determine groundwater pollution sources,similarity index,and normal distribution reference line for the selected parameters.The mean values of pH,TDS,elevation,ORP,temperature,depth,and Br were 7.2,322 mg/L,364 m,188 mV,29.6℃,70 m,0.20 mg/L,and PHMs like Cr,Ni,Cd,Mn,Cu,Pb,Co,Zn,and Fe were 0.38,0.26,0.08,0.27,0.36,0.22,0.04,0.43 and 0.86 mg/L,respectively.PHMs including Cr(89%),Cd(43%),Mn(23%),Pb(79%),Co(20%),and Fe(91%)exceeded the guideline values set by the world health organization(WHO).The significant R^(2)values of PCA for selected parameters were also determined(0.62,0.67,0.78,0.73,0.60,0.87,-0.50,0.69,0.70,0.74,-0.50,0.70,0.67,0.79,0.59,and-0.55,respectively).PCA revealed three geochemical processes such as geogenic,anthropogenic,and reducing conditions.The mineral phases of Cd(OH)_(2),Fe(OH)_(3),FeOOH,Mn_(3)O_(4),Fe_(2)O_(3),MnOOH,Pb(OH)_(2),Mn(OH)_(2),MnO_(2),and Zn(OH)_(2)(-3.7,3.75,9.7,-5.8,8.9,-3.6,2.2,-4.6,-7.7,-0.9,and 0.003,respectively)showed super-saturation and under-saturation conditions.Health risk assessment(HRA)values for PHMs were also calculated and the values of hazard quotient(HQ),and hazard indices(HI)for the entire study area were increased in the following order:Cd>Ni>Cu>Pb>Mn>Zn>Cr.Relatively higher HQ and HI values of Ni,Cd,Pb,and Cu were greater than one showing unsuitability of groundwater for domestic,agriculture,and drinking purposes.The long-term ingestion of groundwater could also cause severe health concerns such as kidney,brain dysfunction,liver,stomach problems,and even cancer.

Temporal and spatial characteristics of harmful algal blooms in Qingdao Waters,China

Qingdao waters,including both the semi-enclosed Jiaozhou Bay(JB) and the adjacent water out of JB(OJB),have been the areas that are most frequently affected by harmful algal blooms(HABs) in the western Yellow Sea(west of 124°E).In this research,HAB occurrences in Qingdao waters from 1990 to 2009 were investigated using spatial tools in geographic information system(GIS) and are discussed in terms of their connection to temporal variation.Additionally,the effects of each HAB occurrence were further evaluated using a simple model.The calculated results were then visualized using a GIS software to indicate the effects of HABs in Qingdao waters during the entire period.As a result,the OJB was proven to be responsible for the frequent HAB occurrences in Qingdao waters after 2000,although JB was traditionally believed to be the principle source of HAB occurrences in Qingdao waters.In addition,increasing nitrogen and N/P structure imbalance were essential for increasing HAB occurrences in Qingdao waters throughout the entire period,especially for the recent HAB occurrences in the OJB.The results of this research would improve the current understanding on HAB occurrences in Qingdao waters,which would benefit HAB monitoring and the implementation of a control strategy in China as well.

Effects of irradiance on pigment signatures of harmful algae during growth process

Three harmful algal bloom （HAB） species, Phaeocystis globosa, Thalassiosira rotula, and Prorocentrum donghaiense were isolated from the coast of China and cultured in batches at three light intensities （40, 70 and 150 μmol photons · m -2 · s -1 ）. The variation patterns of cell numbers and growth rates with light intensity during growth process were different among species. In P. globosa and T. rotula, maximum growth rates were found at 150 μmol photons · m -2 · s -1 and ranged from 0.60 divisions per day in T. rotula, to 1.17 divisions per day in P. globosa. The highest growth rate of P. donghaiense, however, was found at 70 μmol photons · m -2 · s -1 （0.36 divisions per day）. In general, all the three HAB species showed adaptation to increasing light intensity by decreasing cellular concentrations of chlorophyll a （Chl a）, but the variation patterns during the growth process were species-specific. The cellular concentrations of Chl a in P. donghaiense and T. rotula increased gradually with incubation time, but the opposite trend was found in P. globosa. Most of the pigment ratios and pigment indices of these three species were nearly constant during the growth process and showed small changes at different light intensities illustrating the applicability of chemotaxonomy during the initial and developing stages of HAB events, which is very important to study the ecological issues related to HAB species. Ratios of photoprotective carotenoids, such as diadinoxanthin, diatoxanthin and β, β-carotene to total chlorophylls a （Tchl a） showed the trend of increasing with the increase of light intensity during growth process. The species-specific and pigment-specific variations in pigment ratios/indices at different light intensities during growth process probably reflected the differences in the pigment composition as well as the adaption capabilities of different species to the changes of physical conditions.

Application of rotifer Brachionus plicatilis in detecting the toxicity of harmful algae

The toxicity of seven major HAB （harmful algal bloom） species/strains, Prorocentrum donghaiense, Phaeocystis globosa, Prorocentrum micans, Alexandrium tamarense （AT-6, non-PSP producer）, Alexandrium lusitanicum, Alexandrum tamarense （ATHK） and Heterosigma akashiwo were studied against rotifer Brachionus plicatilis under laboratory conditions. The results show that P donghaiense, P. globosa, P. micans, A. tamarense （AT-6）, or A. lusitanicum could maintain the individual survival and reproduction, as well as the population increase of the rotifer, but the individual reproduction would decrease when exposed to these five algae at higher densities for nine days; H. akashiwo could decrease the individual survival and reproduction, as well as population increase of the rotifer, which is similar to that of the starvation group, indicating that starvation might be its one lethal factor except for the algal toxins; A. tamarense （ATHK） has strong lethal effect on the rotifer with 48h LCs0 at 800 cells/mL. The experiment on ingestion ability indicated by gut pigment change shows that P. donghaiense, P. globosa, P micans, A. tamarense （AT-6） and A. lusitanicum can be taken by the rotifers as food, but A. tamarense （ATHK） or H. akashiwo can be ingested by the rotifers. The results indicate that all the indexes of individual survival and reproduction, population increase, gut pigment change of the rotifers are good and convenient to be used to reflect the toxicities of HAB species. Therefore, rotifer is suggested as one of the toxicity testing organisms in detecting the toxicity of harmful algae.

I mpact of several harmful algal bloom(HAB) causing species, on life history characteristics of rotifer Brachionus plicatilis Müller

In recent years, harmful algal blooms(HABs) have occurred frequently along the coast of China, and have been exhibiting succession from diatom- to dinofl agellate-dominated blooms. To examine the eff ects of dif ferent diatom and dinofl agellate HABs, the life history parameters of rotifers(B rachionus plicatilis Müller) were measured after exposure to dif ferent concentrations of HAB species. The HAB species examined included a diatom(S keletonema costatum) and four dinofl agellates( Prorocentrum donghaiense, Alexandrium catenella, Prorocentrum lima and Karlodinium venefi cum). Compared with the control treatment(CT), the diatom S. costatum showed no adverse impacts on rotifers. Exposure to dinofl agellates at densities equivalent to those measured in the fi eld resulted in a reduction in all the life history parameters measured. This included a reduction in: lifetime egg production(CT: 20.34 eggs/ind.) reduced to 10.11, 3.22, 4.17, 7.16 eggs/ind., life span(CT: 394.53 h) reduced to 261.11, 162.90, 203.67, 196 h, net reproductive rate(CT: 19.51/ind.) reduced to 3.01, 1.26, 3.53, 5.96/ind., fi nite rate of increase(CT: 1.47/d) reduced to 1.16, 1.03, 1.33, 1.38/d, and intrinsic rate of population increase(CT: 0.39/d) reduced to 0.15, 0.03, 0.28, 0.32/d, for the dinofl agellates P. donghaiense, A. catenella, P. lima and K. venefi cum, respectively. The results showed that the diatom S. costatum had no detrimental consequences on the reproduction and growth of B. plicatilis, however, the four dinofl agellates tested did show adverse ef fects. This suggests that dinofl agellate HABs may suppress microzooplankton, resulting in an increase in algal numbers.

Characteristics of Large-Scale Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the Yangtze River Estuary and the Adjacent East China Sea (ECS) from 2000 to 2010

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a serious worldwide issue which has posed great risks on marine ecosystems and public health by directly releasing toxins or indirectly leading to anoxia in marine environment. In recent years HABs have caused huge economic losses in China, particularly in the Yangtze Estuary and the adjacent East China Sea (ECS). The present study investigated the spatial-temporal and species characteristics of large-scale HABs in this area using geographic information system (GIS) Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) spatial analysis, statistical methods and satellite image interpretation. Results revealed that the Yangtze Estuary, Zhoushan island, Xiangshan bay and Jiushan island are the regions with highest frequency of large-scale HABs. HABs in the ECS reached a peak in terms of total number and area in 2003 to 2005 and occupied a high percentage (around 70% in area and 60% in occurrence) in the four Chinese coastal waters. The number of large-scale HABs (> 1000 km2) in the Yangtze Estuary and the adjacent ECS declined after 2005 while that of HABs (> 100 km2) declined after 2008. Large-scale HABs occurrences concentrated in summer (May to July), and the averaged duration increased continually from the shortest time (1.3 days) in 2001 to the longest (10.9 days) in 2010 for each HAB. 17 causative species were found with Prorocentrum dentutam as the most frequent dominant species, followed by Skeletonema costatum, Karenia mikimotoi, and Chaetoceros curvisetus. Water discoloration observed in MODIS satellite true color images was well consistent with the corresponding HABs reported by State Oceanic Administration of China (SOA). Multiple factors involving eutrophication, physical dynamics, topography and deposition conditions contributed to the formation of frequent HABs in the ECS. Three strategies including establishing a synthesized system, improving the previous database and investigating multiple contributors were proposed for future HABs monitoring and management.

A numerical model study on multi-species harmful algal blooms coupled with background ecological fields

Based on systematized physical, chemical, and biological modules, a multi-species harmful algal bloom （HAB） model coupled with background ecological fields was established. This model schematically embod-ied that HAB causative algal species and the background ecological system, quantified as total biomass, were significantly different in terms of the chemical and biological processes during a HAB while the inter-action between the two was present. The model also included a competition and interaction mechanism between the HAB algal species or populations. The Droop equation was optimized by considering tempera-ture, salinity, and suspended material impact factors in the parameterization of algal growth rate with the nutrient threshold. Two HAB processes in the springs of 2004 and 2005 were simulated using this model. Both simulation results showed consistent trends with corresponding HAB processes observed in the East China Sea, which indicated the rationality of the model. This study made certain progress in modeling HABs, which has great application potential for HAB diagnosis, prediction, and prevention.

Sustainable Utilization of Agricultural Straw for Harmful Algal Blooms Control:A Review

The use of agricultural straw for algal bloom control has been studied for more than 30 years.In this article,we have reviewed the promising potentials of using agricultural straw as source of anti-algal agents,including the effectiveness of each major straw type so far used in this regard,and the investigated algal species.Various pre-treatment methods have also been widely reviewed.Significant progress has been made in natural product chemistry and molecular biology with regards to agricultural straw,especially in relation to the extraction of antialgal allelochemicals,degradation processes of agricultural straws and the mechanisms through which these inhibitions occur.The development of biotechnologies using agricultural straw to successfully inhibit growth of bloom forming algae has been generally accepted as environmentally friendly.The current research status and that of the future should include isolation and discovery of antialgal allelochemicals,development of models that would illustrate the sequence of physiologic events that match the species-specific inhibitor phenomenon,and products fit in the field applications.

Statistical Analysis and Prediction of the Concentration of Harmful Algae in Bohai Bay

Based on the data of phytoplankton concentration and environmental factors in Bohai Bay from May to September in 2003. the relationship between environmental factors and phytoplankton biomass was analyzed. By analysis of variance, the weather condition was found to have no direct relation with phytoplankton biomass. Correlation coefficients showed that temperature, pH value,the concentrations of silicate and nitrate exhibited linear relationship with phytoplankton biomass.With principal component analysis, pollution types which affected the abundance of phytoplankton included point sources such as municipal and industrial effluents, agricultural runoff and earth＇s surface water. Using multivariate stepwise regression method and taking the correlation analysis results into consideration, a multi-step regression equation was developed to predict the concentration of phytoplankton in September 2003. Combined results show that temperature, pH value, the concentrations of silicate and nitrate are the critical ecological factors affecting the phytoplankton biomass in Bohai Bay.

Harmful Effects of MSG on Function of Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Target Gland System

It has been demonstrated that neonatal administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) results in a clearly defined lesion of the arcuate nucleus (AN) of the hypothalamus.The present study shows that fat was accumulated in the abdomen of male rats treated with MSG; weights of the body, pituitary and testis were lower, 6-EP content in hypothalamus decreased while L-EnK content increased, serum LH, FSH, TSH, GH and TS levels all decreased in varying degrees while serum PRL level significantly increased. The cAMP content lowered in pituitary, but nor in testes; clear histological changes occurred in testicular tissue; Se-GSH-Px activity in both testis and adrenal gland lowered while LPO level significantly increased. Both Se-GSH-Px activity and LPO level in liver increased.These results indicate that MSG is harmful to the function of the hypothalamus-pituitarytarget system of neonatal rats

Development and evaluation of a DNA microarray assay for the simultaneous detection of nine harmful algal species in ship ballast and seaport waters

Rapid,high-throughput and reliable methods are urgently required to accurately detect and monitor harmful algae,which are responsible for algal blooms,such as red and green tides. In this study,we successfully developed a multiplex PCR-based DNA microarray method capable of detecting nine harmful algal species simultaneously,namely A lexandrium tamarense,Gyrodinium instriatum,Heterosigma akashiwo,Karenia mikimotoi,Prorocentrum donghaiense,Prorocentrum minimum,Ulva compressa,Ulva ohnoi and Ulva prolifera. This method achieved a limit of detection(LOD) of 0.5 ng of genomic DNA(orders of magnitude of the deci-nanogram range) in the tested algae cultures. Altogether,230 field samples from ship ballast waters and seaport waters were used to evaluate the DNA microarray. The clinical sensitivity and specificity of the DNA microarray assay in detecting field samples were 96.4% and 90.9%,respectively,relative to conventional morphological methods. This indicated that this high-throughput,automatic,and specific method is well suited for the detection of algae in water samples.

Harmful algal bloom-forming dinofl agellate Prorocentrum donghaiense inhibits the growth and photosynthesis of seaweed Sargassum fusiformis embryos

Harmful algal bloom(HAB)is an ecological disaster to local mariculture.At present,its impact on macrophytes has not been well studied.In this study,we cultivated sexually propagated embryos of S argassum fusiformis-an edible seaweed-in Prorocentrum donghaiense suspensions at different cell densities(0,0.50×10^(5),0.75×10^(5),1.00×10^(5),and 1.50×10^(5) cells/mL)for 10 days,during which growth and photosynthetic activities of the embryos were determined,and a monocultivation was set up for comparison.Results show that the relative growth rate and photosynthetic activities of the embryos co-cultivated with P.donghaiense were inhibited mostly and significantly in the cell densities of 0.75×10^(5),1.00×10^(5),and 1.50×10^(5) cells/mL,and the inhibitory effects increased in overall with increased cell densities.The maximum relative electron transport rates(rETR max)and apparent photosynthetic efficiency(a)of co-cultivated embryos were all significantly lower than monocultivation ones on the 10 th day.Furthermore,the photosynthetic activity detected by chlorophyll-a fluorescence transient(i.e.,OJIP),the electron transport among electron transfer accepters of PSII(photosystem II)and that from PSII to PSI(photosystem I)was restricted,which is probably responsible for the decreases of rETR max andain the co-cultivated embryos.In addition,parts of the photosynthetic reaction centers of PSII in the co-cultivated embryos were inactivated.Therefore,P.donghaiense bloom could restrain the development and photosynthetic activities of S.fusiformis embryos,reduce the seedlings stock,and eventually hinder the development of S.fusiformis production industry.