Sustainable Biofuel Production from Brown and Green Macroalgae through the Pyrolysis

The escalating demand for energy coupled with environmental concerns necessitates exploring sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.The study explores the viability of using large ocean-based seaweeds as a source of thirdgeneration biomass,specifically focusing on their conversion to biofuel via the process of pyrolysis.Sargassum plagiophyllum and Ulva lactuca represent prevalent forms of macroalgae,posing significant discharge challenges for coastal regions globally.However,the exploration of their potential for bio-oil generation via pyrolysis remains limited.This study investigates the pyrolysis process of S.plagiophyllum and U.lactuca for biofuel production,aiming to provide valuable insights into their utilization and optimization.Pyrolysis experiments were conducted within temperature ranges of 400°C to 600°C and durations of 10 to 50 min using a batch reactor.The chemical analysis of the synthesized bio-oil indicated it contains critical compounds such as organic acid derivatives,furans,nitrogenous aromatics,and aliphatic hydrocarbons.The effectiveness of converting the initial biomass into bio-oil is significantly influenced by the pace at which the biomass undergoes decomposition,underscoring the importance of comprehending the kinetic aspects of this conversion.By applying the Arrhenius formula,we calculated the activation energies and frequency factors,with the findings for S.plagiophyllum being 15.27 kJ/mol and 0.477 s^(-1),and for U.lactuca,the values were 43.17 kJ/mol and 0.351 s^(-1),correspondingly.These findings underscore the potential of brown and green macroalgae as sustainable sources for biofuel production via pyrolysis,offering insights for further optimization and valorization efforts in the quest for renewable energy solutions.

Interaction between macroalgae and microplastics:Caulerpa lentillifera and Gracilaria tenuistipitata as microplastic bio-elimination vectors

The pollution of microplastics(MPs)in the ocean has become a serious matter of concern.The farmed seaweeds(Caulerpa lentillifera and Gracilaria tenuistipitata)were selected to study their ability of adsorption with two typical classes of MPs(polyamides and polystyrene),thereby revealing the interaction between MPs and macroalgae and exploring novel methods of removing MPs from macroalgae.The results demonstrate that polyamides(PA)fibers had no effect on the various physiological parameters of both seaweeds(e.g.,relative growth rate,photosynthetic oxygen evolution rate,the contents of malondialdehyde and extracellular polymeric substances)after 7 days of exposure,except for the chlorophyll-a concentration.However,the effects of polystyrene(PS)particles on the algae were strongly associated with the concentration of MPs exposure.Exposed to the high concentration(100 mg/L)of PS particles,the relative growth rate of C.lentillifera and G.tenuistipitata decreased by 54.56% and 30.62%,respectively,compared to the control,while no significant(P>0.05)harmful effect of PS particles on seaweeds was observed in an environment with a low content of PS particles(25 mg/L).The PS particles in concentration of 100 mg/L significantly(P<0.05)inhibited photosynthetic oxygen evolution rate and extracellular polymeric substances(EPS)contents in both seaweeds,but increased malondialdehyde(MDA)contents.When exposed for 72 h,the MPs adhesion rate of G.tenuistipitata is higher than that of C.lentillifera,which might be due to the higher EPS content of G.tenuistipitata.The MPs desorption experiment indicated that the combination of dewatering and washing had the highest desorption rate of MPs which could reach to 91.45%and 87.23%for C.lentillifera and G.tenuistipitata,respectively.This research demonstrates the potential of macroalgae as a vector for MPs in aquatic environment and provides methodological insights into decontamination procedures for removing the MPs from macroalgae.

Ecological evaluation of marine macroalgal communities on five islands of Korea in the Yellow Sea

Macroalgae have long been used as biological indicators of marine ecosystem health worldwide due to their ecological importance and sensitivity to environmental stress.A number of previous studies have utilized macroalgal communities in monitoring surveys of environmental conditions.This study examined the characteristics and patterns of marine macroalgal communities in the Yellow Sea off the western coast of Korea.Macroalgae were analyzed for the number of species,biomass,and coverage ratio by macroalgal type.During the study period,82 macroalgal species(10 green algae,17 brown algae,and 55 red algae)were identified at the five study sites,with the highest number of species found at Gwanrido and Uido(both containing 41 species)and the lowest at Daeijakdo(27 species).The average biomass(via dry weight)was 98.63 g/m^(2),consisting of green algae(8.39 g/m^(2)),brown algae(35.08 g/m^(2)),and red algae(55.16 g/m^(2)).The dominant macroalgae species in terms of biomass were Corallina pilulifera,Sargassum thunbergii,and Ulva australis in the intertidal zones,and Botryocladia wrightii and Gelidium elegans in the subtidal zones.Richness,evenness,and diversity indices based on the biomass of abundant species were 5.08,0.65,and 2.30,respectively,over the entire study area.Based on the evaluation of the environmental states by the community indices,overall,the Ecological Evaluation Index of macroalgae communities in the study area was marked as“Good-Moderate”,but was determined as“ModerateLow”at several sites during summer.The results can be a direct approach in the assessment of coastal habitats in which anthropogenic as well as climate change influences persist.

New Macroalgal Fossils from Middle Cambrian Kaili Biota in Guizhou Province, China

Abundant and well-preserved remains of noncalcareous algae and soft-bodied metazoans were collected from Middle Cambrian Kaili biota in Taijiang county, Guizhou Province, China. These remains provide further evidence for the wide geographic distribution of many Burgess Shale taxa. Among the algae, 5 genera (including two new genera) and 5 species are described. They are Marpolia spissa Walcott, Acinocricus stichus Conway Morris and Robison, Udotealga erecta Yang, Eosargassum sawata Yang, and Rhizophyton zhaoyuanlongii Yang. Contrasting the macroalgal fossil assemblage in the Kaili biota with one in the Burgess Shale biota, it is clear that similarity of the Kaili biota and the Burgess Shale biota is reflected by the same content of not only the soft-bodied metazoans, but also the noncalcareous algae.

Test of Resource Competition Theory Between Microalga and Macroalga Under Phosphate Limitation

Short_term batch cultures were used to measure the phosphate_dependent growth kinetics for a marine microalga, Tetraselmis subcordiformis (Wille) Hazen, and a marine macroalga, Ulva pertusa Kjellm. Results were fitted to the Monod model. U. pertusa had a lower half_saturation constant and maximum growth rate, which were 0.016 μmol/L and 0.16 d -1 respectively, while the growth kinetics of T. subcordiformis were 0.021 μmol/L and 0.83 d -1 . Long_term semicontinuous nutrient competition experiments were performed between T. subcordiformis and U. pertusa under phosphate limitation in laboratory. Loss rates were manipulated to get the same or different resource requirement values ( R * ) of the two species. Comparison between the theoretical predictions derived from Monod kinetics and the outcome of competition experiments indicated that the Monod model could predict the results only when the R * values of the two species were significantly different, and T. subcordiformis displaced U. pertusa when they had the same resource requirements. The Monod model can only partly predict the competition results between microalga and macroalga.

Comparative studies on utilizing nitrogen capacity between two macroalgae Gracilaria tenuistipitata var. liui (rhodophyta) and Ulva pertusa (chlorophyta) I. Nitrogen storage under nitrogen enrichment and starvation

This paper deals with the N storage of Gracilaria tenuistipitata var. liui and Ulva pertusa under ammonium enrichment and starvation. After 10 days of ammonium enrichment, ammonium NH4,+ free amino acid (FAA), protein (pro), chlorophyll (Chi), phycoerythrin (PE) and total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) of the two macroalgae increased significantly. Total nitrogen (TN) increased significantly from 3.65% to 5.78% dry weight of G. tenuistipitata var. liui and 2.82% to 5.07% dw of U. pertusa, respectively. Protein and FAA were the most important N storage pools in the macroalgae. During N-starvation period, individual N pools of the two species were depleted at exponential rates. Each N pool in U. pertusa decreased more rapidly than in G. tenuistipitata, var. liui and the latter was able to sustain fast growth for more time ( > 20 days) than U. pertusa. N demands for supporting growth were different between the two species, U. pertusa grew more rapidly and had higher N demands than G. tenuistipitata var. liui did.

Comparative studies on utilizing nitrogen capacity between two macroalgae Gracilaria tenuistipitata var. liui (rhodophyta) and Ulva pertusa (chlorophyta) II. Feedback controls of intracellular nitrogen pools on nitrogen uptake

The potential feedback by intracellular nitrogen pools on maximum N uptake (NH + 4) rate were determined for Gracilaria tenuistipitata var. liui and Ulva pertusa. The results of correlation matrix analyzing showed that the surge uptake of ammonium seemed related to rapid changes in small intracellular pools of inorganic nitrogen or small peptide and amino acids rather than to changes in TN content of the macroalgae. The assimilation rates of nitrogen of U. pertusa and G. tenuistipitata increased slowly during N starvation and were mainly regulated by amino acids and some incorporation of amino acids into macromolecules. From ecological point of view, the fast growing and uptaking nutrient U. pertusa is more suitable to improve water quality in integrated shrimp culture ponds in which external nutrient supplies are usually high and constant during the culture period, while G. tenuistipitata var. liui is more suitable to be polycultured in a waters with intermittence supply of nutrients.

Dark respiration in the light and in darkness of three marine macroalgal species grown under ambient and elevated CO_2 concentrations

Dark respiration （non-photorespiratory mitochondrial respiration）, which occurs both in the light and in darkness, is vital for growth and survival of algae and plays a critical role in modulating the carbon balance of them. In the present study, we have investigated dark respiration in the light （RL） and in darkness （RD） in three marine macroalgal species, Hizikia fusiformis （phaeophyta）, Gracilaria lemaneiformis （Rhodophyta） and Ulva lactuca （Chlorophyta）, cultured at 20 ℃ using aeration with two CO2 conditions： current ambient （CO2 concentration about 380 μl/L） and elevated CO2 （approximately 720 μl/L） air. RL was estimated by using the Kok method, whereas RD was determined as the rate of O2 influx at zero light. The results showed that both RL and RD were unchanged for the elevated CO2-grown algae relative to ambient CO2 concentration for all the algal species tested. However, RL was significantly lower than RD across all the algal species and growth CO2 treatments, demonstrating that daytime respiration was partly depressed by the light. The percentage of inhibition of respiration by light was similar between ambient and elevated CO2- grown algae. The ratio of respiration to photosynthesis, which tended to decrease when estimated using RL instead of RD, was not altered for the elevated relative to ambient CO2 concentration. The results suggest that RL, rather than RD, is a more accurate estimate of nonphotorespiratory carbon loss in marine macroalgae during the daytime. It would not be anticipated that elevated atmospheric CO2 would exert a substantial influence on respiratory flux either in the light or in darkness in these particular marine macroalgal species.

Sewage pollution in Negril, Jamaica: effects on nutrition and ecology of coral reef macroalgae

Coral reefs in the Negril Marine Park （NMP）, Jamaica, have been increasingly impacted by nutrient pollution and macroalgal blooms following decades of intensive development as a major tourist destination. A baseline survey of DIN and SRP concentrations, C：N：P and stable nitrogen isotope ratios （δ^15N） of abundant reef macroalgae on shallow and deep reefs of the NMP in 1998 showed strong P-limitation and evidence of increasing sewage pollution. In 1999, a sewage collection and treatment project began diverting wastewater from the resort and urban areas to a pond system that discharged partially-treated effluent into the South Negril River （SNR）. These sewage discharges significantly increased concentrations of NH2 and SRP （N：P -13） in the SNR, which flows into Long Bay and around Negril＇s ＂West End＂. Concentrations of SRP, the primary limiting nutrient, were higher on shallow reefs of the West End in 2001 compared to 1998. Stable nitrogen isotope ratios （δ^15N） of abundant reef macroalgae on both shallow and deep reefs of the West End in 2002 were significantly higher than baseline values in 1998, indicating an escalating impact of sewage nitrogen pollution over this timeframe. The increased nutrient concentrations and δ^15N enrichment of reef macroalgae correlated with blooms of the chlorophyte Chaetornorpha linum in shallow waters of Long Bay and Codium isthrnocladum and Caulerpa cupressoides on deep reefs of the West End. Sewage treatment systems adjacent to coral reefs must include nutrient removal to ensure that DIN and SRP concentrations, after dilution, are below the low thresholds noted for these oligotrophic ecosystems.

The Distribution of Green Algal Micro-Propagules and Macroalgae at the Early Stage of Green Tide in the Coastal Area of South Jiangsu Province in 2014

An integrated investigation was carried out during late April to late May of 2014 in the coastal area of South Jiangsu Province to understand the early development of green tide in the Yellow Sea and discover the temporal and spatial distribution of green algal micro-propagules and macroalgae at the early stage of green tide. The results showed that green algal micro-propagules distributed in all stations from late April to late May, and micro-propagules of high density(> 300 ind. L^(-1)) concentrated in the adjacent Porphyra aquaculture area. Floating macroalgae were initially observed in the northern survey areas, and increased gradually. The dominant species was U. prolifera in the floating macroalgae, ranging between 90% and 100%. The seawater surface temperature and salinity in the above mentioned time period were suitable for the growth of macroalgae. This work can help government to strengthen management to reduce the blooms of macroalgae in the coastal area of South Jiangsu Province and also facilitate the decision-making for managers at the early stage of green tide.

Seasonal and spatial variation in species diversity, abundance, and element accumulation capacities of macroalgae in mangrove forests of Zhanjiang, China

The objective of this study was to investigate whether there was distinctive seasonal and zonal variation in the species diversity, biomass, and element accumulation capacities of macroalgae in two major intertidal mangrove stand types （Avicennia marina assemblage andSonneratia apetala assemblage） in the Zhanjiang region of southern China. Over a year, 31 species in 15 genera were identified in both mangrove assem-blages, of which the dominant species wereCladophoropsis zollingeriand Enteromorpha clathrat.Macroal-gal species were significantly most abundant in spring （p〈0.05）, followed by summer, winter, and autumn. Variation in the zonal distribution of macroalgal species was conspicuous in both intertidal mangrove as-semblages, with the greatest abundance in the middle zone, and the least in the front zone. Patterns in the seasonal and zonal variation in macroalgal biomass in theS. apetalaassemblage were similar to those of macroalgal species diversity in both mangrove assemblages. The seasonal patterns in tissue concentrations of 15 analyzed elements were not uniform among the macroalgaeC. zollingeri,E. clathrata, andGracilaria salicornia in theA. marina assemblage. All three species exhibited variation in their responses to ambient concentrations of different elements, implying their differential ability to absorb and selectively accumulate certain elements.

Ecophysiological characteristics of four intertidal marine macroalgae during emersion along Shantou coast of China,with a special reference to the relationship of photosynthesis and CO_(2)

Intertidal marine macroalgae experience periodical exposures during low tide due to their zonational distribution. The duration of such emersion leads to different exposures of the plants to light and aerial CO2, which then affect the physiology of them to different extents. The ecophysiological responses to light and CO2 were investigated during emersion in two red algae Gloiopeltis furcata and Gigartina intermedia, and two brown algae Petalonia fascia and Sargassum hemiphyllum, growing along the Shantou coast of China. The light-saturated net photosynthesis in G. furcata and P. fascia showed an increase followed by slightly desiccation, whereas that in G. intermedia and S. hemiphyllumexhibited a continuous decrease with water loss. In addition, the upper-zonated G. furcata and P. fascia, exhibited higher photosynthetic tolerance to desiccation and required higher light level to saturate their photosynthesis than the lower-zonated G. intermedia and S. hemiphyllum. Desiccation had less effect on dark respiration in these four algae compared with photosynthesis. The light-saturated net photosynthesis increased with increased CO2 concentrations, being saturated at CO2 concentrations higher than the present atmospheric level in G. furcata, G. intermedia and S. hemiphyllum during emersion. It was evident that the relative enhancement of photosynthesis by elevated CO2 in those three algae increased, though the absolute values of photosynthetic enhancement owing to CO2 increase were reduced when the desiccation statuses became more severe. However, in the case of desiccated P. fascia (water loss being greater than 20 %), light saturated net photosynthesis was saturated with current ambient atmospheric CO2 level. It is proposed that increasing atmospheric CO2 will enhance the daily photosynthetic production in intertidal macroalgae by varied extents that were related to the species and zonation.

Macroalgae Blooms and their Effects on Seagrass Ecosystems

Seagrass decline caused by the macroalgae blooms is becoming a common phenomenon throughout temperate and tropical regions. We summarized the incidence of macroalgae blooms throughout the world and their impact on seagrass beds by direct and indirect ways. The competition for living space and using resources is the most direct effect on seagrass beds when macroalgae are blooming in an aquatic ecosystem. The consequence of macroalgae blooms(e.g., light reduction, hypoxia, and decomposition) can produce significant indirect effects on seagrass beds. Light reduction by the macroalgae can decrease the growth and recruitment of seagrasses, and decomposition of macroalgae mats can increase the anoxic and eutrophic conditions, which can further constrict the seagrass growth. Meanwhile, the presence of seagrass shoots can provide substrate for the macroalgae blooms. Controlling nutrient sources from the land to coastal waters is a general efficient way for coastal management. Researching into the synergistical effect of climate change and anthropognic nutrient loads on the interaction between searsasses and macroalgae can provide valuable information to decrease the negative effects of macroalgae blooms on seagrasses in eutrophic areas.

Temporal and spatial variations in the distribution of macroalgal communities along the Yantai coast, China

To explore the impact of environmental variables on macroalgal communities, their temporal and spatial distributions were examined along the Yantai coast, China between April 2010 and March 2011. Macroalgae sampling was conducted monthly at four sites along the coast: Jiahe River estuary, Zhifu Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and Yangma Island. The species composition and abundance, and their relationship with environmental variables were assessed. Along the Yantai coast, 35 macroalgae species were identifi ed, including 24 Rhodophyta spp., 7 Chlorophyta, and 4 Phaeophyta spp. Highest species numbers were recorded in the summer at all sampling sites, except in the Jiahe River estuary. Macroalgae biomass was the greatest in the summer. Year-round, the highest species number and dry biomass recorded at Fisherman's Wharf and Yangma Island was attributed to the substrate type. In summer, Ulva pertusa Kjellman was the dominant species identifi ed along the Yantai coast, which indicates a risk of macroalgae blooms. Our results show that seawater temperature and nutrients appear to signifi cantly affect the temporal and spatial patterns of macroalgal abundance along the Yantai coast. The effects of environmental variables on the macroalgae on the Yantai coast need further study.

Physiological performance of three calcifying green macroalgae Halimeda species in response to altered seawater temperatures

The effects of seawater temperature on the physiological performance of three Halimeda species were studied for a period of 28 d.Five treatments were established for Halimeda cylindracea,Halimeda opuntia and Halimeda lacunalis,in triplicate aquaria representing a factorial temperature with 24°C,28°C,32°C,34°C and 36°C,respectively.The average Fv/Fm of these species ranged from 0.732 to 0.756 between 24°C and 32°C but declined sharply between 34°C(0.457±0.035)and 36°C(0.122±0.014).Calcification was highest at 28°C,with net calcification rates(Gnet)of(20.082±2.482)mg/(g·d),(12.825±1.623)mg/(g·d)and(6.411±1.029)mg/(g·d)for H.cylindracea,H.opuntia and H.lacunalis,respectively.Between 24°C and 32°C,the specific growth rate(SGR)of H.lacunalis(0.079%–0.110%d–1)was lower than that of H.cylindracea(0.652%–1.644%d–1)and H.opuntia(0.360%–1.527%d–1).Three Halimeda species gradually bleached at 36°C during the study period.Malondialdehyde(MDA)and proline levels in tissues of the three Halimeda were higher in 34–36°C than those in 24–32°C.The results indicate that seawater temperature with range of 24–32°C could benefit the growth and calcification of these Halimeda species,however,extreme temperatures above 34°C have negative impacts.The measured physiological parameters also revealed that H.cylindracea and H.opuntia displayed broader temperature tolerance than H.lacunalis.

Preference of the Herbivorous Marine Teleost Siganus canaliculatus for Different Macroalgae

The decomposition of a large amount of unexploited macroalgal resource along the coast of China often results in heavy environmental pollution. In order to pave a way of using macroalgae as the dietary ingredient of rabbitfish Siganus canaliculatus, one of a few farmed herbivorous marine teleosts in China, its preference(feeding selectivity) for different macroalgae was determined in this study. Seven seaweed species abundantly inhabiting the coast of east Guangdong Province were exposed simultaneously to rabbitfish juveniles in laboratory(multiple-choice feeding) with their content and absolute intake assayed. It was found that the most preferred algae were Ulva prolifera, Gracilaria lemaneiformis and Chaetomorpha linum, less preferred algae were U. pertusa and Porphyra haitanensis, and least preferred ones were Sargassum fusiforme and Corallina sessilis. Such an order did not change when one to four relatively preferred seaweeds were removed. The preferred seaweeds were richer in protein and soluble sugar thus higher in energy than the least preferred. In addition, this fish was found to favor filamentous and flat algae rather than calcified ones. Accordingly, the richness of nutrients and morphological characteristics determined the preference of S. canaliculatus for tested macroalgae.

DNA Barcoding Assessment of Green Macroalgae in Coastal Zone Around Qingdao, China

An assessment with assistance of DNA barcoding was conducted on green macroalgae in coastal zone around Qingdao, China, during the period of April- December, 2011. Three markers were applied in molecular discrimination, including the plastid elongation factor tufA gene, the internal transcribed spacer(ITS) region of the ribosomal cistron and rubisco large subunit gene 3' regions(rbcL-3P). DNA barcoding discriminated 8 species, excluding species of genus Cladophora and Bryopsis due to failures in amplification. We ascertained and corrected 4 species identified by morphological methods for effectively assisting the classification. The gene tufA presented more advantages as an appropriate DNA marker with the strongest amplification success rate and species discrimination power than the other two genes. The poorest sequencing success largely handicapped the application of ITS. Samples identified by tufA and rbcL as Ulva flexuosa were clustered into the clade of U. prolifera by ITS in the neighbor-joining tree. Confusion with discrimination of the complex of U. linza, U. procera and U. prolifera(as the LPP complex) still existed for the three DNA markers. Based on our results, rbcL is recommended as a preferred marker for assisting tufA to discriminate green macroalgae. In distinguishing green-tide-forming Ulva species, the free-floating sample collected from the green tide in 2011 was proved to be identical with U. prolifera in Yellow Sea for ITS and rbcL genes. This study presents a preliminary survey of green macroalgae distributed in the coastal area around Qingdao, and proves that DNA barcoding is a powerful tool for taxonomy of green macroalgae.

A mini-review on the microbial continuum:consideration of a link between judicious consumption of a varied diet of macroalgae and human health and nutrition

As the primordial,prokaryotic inhabitants on Earth,microbial entities were responsible for significant influences on the pathways taken in the development of life as we know it.The manifestation of numerous pathologies in humans is considered to be intrinsically associated with microbial dysbiosis in the gut(i.e.a poorly balanced microbiota).Such adverse health conditions include obesity,chronic fatigue syndrome,cancer,cardiovascular issues,neurological disorders,colitis,irritable bowel syndrome(IBS),and rheumatoid arthritis.Endosymbiotic events at the single cell level took place billions of years ago,eventually leading to eukaryotes,photosynthesis,and multicellularity.Macroalgae(seaweeds)were amongst the first organisms to develop these characteristics.Microbes and macroalgae interacted in a pattern of co-evolution,a process that applies to most,if not all living organisms.It is recognized that the normal human microbiome consists of over a trillion microorganisms,including about 2000 commensal bacterial species typically stationed in the gut.Many of these live in the colon,where they function in the digestion of foods,releasing bio-available nutrients,bioactive molecules,and various metabolites.They mediate communication signals between the gut and the brain,and promote the normal development of immune function,metabolic activities,behaviour,and neurological stability.As very early humans foraged for food,some would have benefi tted from coastal diets,rich in seaweeds and associated microbes.Such diets would have consistently provided all the nutrients essential for survival and growth,and as such,could have conveyed competitive advantages and contributed to enhanced cognitive sophistication.This mini-review article highlights studies regarding the health benefits of dietary fibres and the production of short chain fatty acids(SCFA).Insights are off ered regarding the positive effects the inclusion of macroalgae into the standard,Western diet can deliver in terms of providing appropriate fodder for those microbial populations deemed beneficial to human health and wellness.

Screening of antibacterial activity in marine green, red and brown macroalgae from the western coast of Libya

Marine macroalgae are considered as an excellent source of bioactive compounds which has a broad range of biological activities including antibacterial and antioxidant. Crude methanolic and water extracts of 19 marine algal species (6 Chlorophyta, 8 Phaeophyta and 5 Rhodophyta) collected from the western coast of Libya were evaluated for antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria (4 Gram-positive, 4 Gram-nega- tive). The extracts showed a significant antibacterial activity against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus spp., and Staphylococcus epidermidis) as well as Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella spp., and Pseudomonas aerugi- nosa). The algal aqueous and methanolic extracts displayed different degrees of antimicrobial activities against different bacteria, in some cases methanolic extracts showed higher antibacterial activity than aqueous extracts. Among tested algae, Brown algae namely Cystoseira crinite exhibited the highest antibacterial activity among tested algal species.

Macroalgae in a spring stream in Shanxi Province:composition and relation to physical and chemical variables

Fourteen stream segments were investigated throughout the Xin’an Spring in Shanxi Province, China in 2004. The variation ranges in stream size, current velocity, discharge, dissolved oxygen, and specific conductance were large. Twenty-two macroalgae species were found in the stream. Major divisions in terms of species numbers were Chlorophyta (59.1%), Cyanophyta (22.8%), Xanthophyta (9.1%), Rhodophyta (4.5%) and Charophyta (4.5%). The most widespread species, Cladophora rivularis (50.0%), also Oedogonium sp. (42.9%) and Spirogyra sp. (42.9%) were well represented throughout the stream, whereas another 10 species were found in only one sampling site. Total percentage cover varied from <1% to 90%. Red algae Batrachospermum acuatum and the charophytes Chara vulgaris have the highest percentage cover. Among the parameters analyzed, the stream width, specific conductance and dissolved oxygen were the ones that more closely related to the species number and percentage cover of macroalgal communities. The species number of each site was negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen content. The total percentage cover of the macroalgae was negatively correlated with the stream width and the specific conductance.