Synura petersenii represents a complex of pseudo-cryptic species. These are planktonic colonial organisms belonging to the class Chrysophyceae. The species are abundant in spring and autumn, when they produce golden-brown blooms in oligo-mesotrophic waters. In this thesis, I focused on investigating the effect of temperature to growth parameters of four selected species: S. petersenii, S. americana, S. glabra and S. conopea. Several temperature experiments were performed and statistically analyzed. According to growth curves the temperature 25 žC was mostly stressful for these organisms. Only S. petersenii sensu stricto was sometimes able to growth at this temperature. In general, the significant differences in growth rates were detected between S. petersenii and S. americana. In all experiments, S. petersenii had the lowest growth rate. This ubiquitous species probably acts as a K-strategist. S. americana grew generally very quickly, especially at temperature 13 žC that is obviously optimal for it. Further, I observed a significant strain specificity, which is largely a well-known phenomenon in the ecophysiology. Significant differences in growth rates were noted between temperatures 13 žC and 16 žC, where all tested species grew best, as well. This is in accordance with a general recognition of...

Chlorine (Cl₂(sq»' chlorine dioxide (ClO₂ ) and potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) were evaluated as oxidants for the removal of grassy and cucumber odors associated with the pure compounds, cis-3-hexenol and trans-2, cis-6-nonadienal, respectively, and for the removal of fishy odors associated with a culture of an alga, Synura petersenii. The effects of the oxidants on the pure compounds were assessed both by Flavor Profile Analysis (FPA) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The effects of the oxidants on the algae culture were evaluated by FPA only. In addition, an unoxidized sample of Synura petersenii was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for possible identification of fishy-smelling compounds. Chlorine (1-6 mg/L) and KMn04 (0.25-4 mg/L) markedly reduced grassy and cucumber odors associated with the two compounds. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry confirmed that these compounds were reduced to below method detection limits. Levels of Cl₂(&q) required (up to 6 mg/L) to reduce the grassy odors associated with cis-3-hexenol were higher than those of KMnO₄ â ¢ The high Cl₂(&q) doses may have contributed to the formation of chemical odors observed by panelists. Two isomers of chlorohexenol were confidently identified as byproducts of cis-3-hexenol chlorination and may have contributed to the chemical odors that developed after CI2(aq) treatment. Chlorine and KMnO₄ (both at 10 mg/L) either reduced or destroyed the fishy odor associated with the culture of Synura petersenii; however, oxidation caused either the development or unmasking of fruity, cucumber, melon and grassy odors. Chlorine dioxide (3 mg/L) did not reduce the grassy and cucumber odors associated with cis-3-hexenol and trans-2, cis-6-nonadienal , respectively. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry confirmed that concentrations of these compounds were not reduced to below method detection limits. Furthermore, at a concentration of 10 mg/L, Cl₂ did not effectively reduce either the fishy or other objectionable odors associated with Synura petersenii culture. Hexanal, with an odor described as "green" or "like lettuce heart," and trans-2, cis-6-nonadienal (cucumber odor) were confirmed as algal products in a two-week-old culture of Synura petersenii. In addition, decatrienal was confidently identified as a product of Synura and may have contributed to the fishy odor associated with this alga. / Master of Science

The resting resistant stage has several important roles for phytoplankton microorganisms. It protects them from hostile conditions, allows them to spread to new locations and is often part of their life cycle. Chrysophytes form large populations for only a short part of the year, and therefore the formation of a resting stage is key for them to re-establish a vegetative population the following year. Chrysophyte resting stages are called stomatocysts, which are silicified and have a unique species-specific morphology. They can be form after both sexual and asexual reproduction. This is an understudied area. Most described stomatocysts are not assigned to species and much is not known about the triggers of encystation and excystation. It is thought that a combination of external (temperature, light, nutrients) and internal (cell age and cell concentration) factors are involved. So far, only sexual encystation in Dinobryon cyindricum and Synura petersenii has been studied in detail. My diploma thesis is based on laboratory experiments with Ochromonas tuberculata, Synura uvella and two strains of Synura petersenii. The aim of the study was to investigating whether external conditions such as temperature and lack of nitrogen or phosphorus have the effect on asexual encystation and whether it is...