As algas calcárias crostosas ou CCA (do inglês Crustose Coralline Algae) têm como principal característica a impregnação de carbonato de cálcio em suas paredes celulares. Este grupo é formado atualmente por três ordens, Corallinales, Hapalidiales e Sporolithales, cuja taxonomia é historicamente problemática por se basear na fase tetrasporofítica, fundamental para qualquer identificação até mesmo em nível de ordem. Em virtude disso, diversos estudos, principalmente nos últimos 10 anos, têm incluído ferramentas moleculares como auxílio à taxonomia morfoanatômica deste grupo. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a diversidade e a distribuição das CCA ao longo da costa Brasileira, através de dados moleculares e morfoanatômicos. Para isso, foram utilizados quatro marcadores moleculares, UPA, rbcL-3P, COI-5P e psbA, aliados à imagens de microscopia óptica e microscopia eletrônica de varredura, que resultaram na identificação de pelo menos 37 espécies entre Corallinales, Hapalidiales e Sporolithales. Os resultados obtidos a partir das análises de agrupamento dos quatro marcadores demonstraram que as ordens Corallinales e Sporolithales são monofiléticas, e Hapalidiales constitui um grupo não-monofilético (com exceção do marcador psbA, que resolveu a ordem como grupo monofilético). Os resultados também revelaram existência de uma grande diversidade de espécies e gêneros destas ordens no Brasil, além de espécies novas e ao menos um potencial gênero novo para ciência. O estudo também revelou relações filogeográficas entre espécies do Brasil e do Golfo do México e do Indo-Pacífico. Considerando as três ordens de CCA (Corallinales, Hapalidiales e Sporolithales), este estudo representa a primeira tentativa de desvendar de forma mais ampla a diversidade de espécies CCA encontradas ao longo da costa brasileira, utilizando dados moleculares / The Crustose Coralline Algae (CCA) has as a main distinguishing characteristic the calcium carbonate impregnation in their cell walls. This group currently encompasses three orders, the Corallinales, Hapalidiales and Sporolithales, whose taxonomy is historically problematic because it is based on the tetrasporophytic phase, fundamental to any classification, even at the ordinal level. Therefore, many studies, especially in the last 10 years, have included molecular tools to assist the morphological taxonomy of this group. This study aims to investigate the diversity and distribution of the CCA along the Brazilian coast, through molecular and morphoanatomical data. In order to achieve this aim, four markers were used, UPA, rbcL-3P, COI-5P and psbA, allied to light and scanning electron microscopy, that resulted in the identification of at least 37 species between Corallinales, Hapalidiales and Sporolithales. The results of the cluster analyses of the four markers showed that Corallinales and Sporolithales are monophyletic, and Hapalidiales comprises a non-monophyletic group (with the exception of psbA, which resolved the order as a monophyly). Our results also revealed a great diversity of species and genera of these three orders in Brazil, as well as putative new species and at least a new genus. This study also revealed phylogeographic relationships between Brazilian species and species from Gulf of Mexico and from Indo-Pacific oceans. Considering all the three orders of CCA, this study represents the first broad attempt and effort to unveil the diversity of CCA species found on the Brazilian coast using molecular data

Submitted by Natalie Mendes (nataliermendes@gmail.com) on 2015-11-12T23:29:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Ramos 2013 - Algas verdes cocoides (Chlorophyta) de duas ?reas do pantanal dos Marimbus (Baiano e.pdf: 8915844 bytes, checksum: 4608fb4b95cdad6269d11095980552c4 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-11-12T23:29:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ramos 2013 - Algas verdes cocoides (Chlorophyta) de duas ?reas do pantanal dos Marimbus (Baiano e.pdf: 8915844 bytes, checksum: 4608fb4b95cdad6269d11095980552c4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-03-14 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior - CAPES / This study aimed at surveying the coccoid green algae flora of two areas of the Pantanal dos Marimbus (Baiano and Remanso), EPA Marimbus Iraquara, located in the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil. Material was obtained from 120 samples collected during the dry (April, June and August 2011) and in the rainy season (October and December 2011, and February 2012). During this study 121 taxa of coccoid green algae were identified, described, illustrated and commented, which are distributed in two classes, four orders and 46 genera, 109 species, three varieties typical and seven other does not typical of their respective species, and two taxonomic formae. 17 (14%) of the total of taxa identified are pioneer citations for Brazil, 51 taxa (42%) for the Northeast Region of Brazil, and 19 taxa (15,7%) for the Bahia State. Most taxa recorded were classified in the Sphaeropleales (76%), followed by Chlorellales (17%), Trebouxiales (3%) and Chlorococcales ?sensu stricto? (2%), while the taxa considered ?incertaesedis? were represented by 3% of the total taxa identified. Among the taxa studied in both areas, 14 were exclusive of the rainy period and only seven of the dry one, while 100 taxa were common to both climatic periods. The species richness was clearly higher in the Marimbus do Baiano with 115 taxa (95%), while the Marimbus do Remanso showed 99 taxa (82.5%). Of the 121 taxa studied, 22 were unique to the Marimbus do Baiano and six to the Marimbus do Remanso. According to the S?rensen similarity index (86.9%), the similarity between the Marimbus do Baiano and do Remanso was considered high. Most taxa inventoried (48%) was classified as rare on Pantanal Marimbus, followed by infrequent (42%), frequent (7%) and very frequent (3%). Considering that about 90% of the taxa found are listed first for the Bahia State, we strongly suggest continuing studies of biodiversity of inland water algae to increase knowledge of phycoflora in Bahia State and Brazil. / O presente estudo ? o levantamento flor?stico das algas verdes coc?ides ocorrentes em duas ?reas do Pantanal dos Marimbus (Baiano e Remanso), APA Marimbus Iraquara, localizada na Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brasil. Os materiais estudados provieram de 120 amostras coletadas no per?odo seco (abril, junho e agosto de 2011) e no chuvoso (outubro e dezembro de 2011 e fevereiro de 2012). Foram identificados, descritos, ilustrados e comentados 121 t?xons de algas verdes coc?ides, distribu?dos em duas classes, quatro ordens e 46 g?neros, 109 esp?cies, tr?s variedades t?picas e sete n?o t?picas de suas respectivas esp?cies e duas formas taxon?micas. Do total de t?xons inventariados, 17 t?xons (14%) s?o cita??es pioneiras para o Brasil, 51 t?xons (42%) para a Regi?o Nordeste do Brasil e 19 t?xons (15,7%) para o Estado da Bahia. A maior riqueza de t?xons foi registrada para a ordem Sphaeropleales (76%), seguida de Chlorellales (17%), Trebouxiales (3%) e Chlorococcales ?sensu strictu? (2%), enquanto que os t?xons considerados ?incertae sedis? foram representados por 3% do total. Dentre os t?xons estudados nas duas ?reas, 14 foram exclusivos do per?odo de chuva e apenas sete do per?odo de seca, enquanto que 100 t?xons foram comuns a ambos os per?odos clim?ticos. A riqueza espec?fica foi claramente maior no Marimbus do Baiano, com 115 t?xons (95%), enquanto que o Marimbus do Remanso apresentou 99 t?xons (82,5%). Dos 121 t?xons inventariados, 22 t?xons foram exclusivos do Marimbus do Baiano e seis do Marimbus do Remanso. De acordo com o ?ndice de Similaridade de S?rensen (86,9%), a similaridade entre os Marimbus do Baiano e do Remanso foi elevada. A maior parte dos t?xons inventariados (48%) foi classificada como de ocorr?ncia rara no Pantanal dos Marimbus, seguido de pouco frequente (42%), frequente (7%) e muito frequente (3%). Considerando que cerca de 90% dos t?xons encontrados s?o referidos pela primeira vez para o Estado da Bahia, sugere-se a continuidade dos estudos de biodiversidade de algas de ?guas continentais para ampliar o conhecimento da ficofl?rula na Bahia e no Brasil.

No description available.

No description available.

This thesis examines the effect of solids recycling on nitrification, organic carbon removal, and algal-bacterial productivity in bench-scale photobioreactors (PBRs) simulating winter pond conditions in San Luis Obispo, California and a 6-acre raceway system in Delhi, California. Two sets of duplicate photobioreactors operated with or without solids recycling were fed primary clarifier effluent (1oEff) for the first experiment, and facultative pond effluent (FAC) for the second experiment. In both experiments mean productivity was lower in solids recycled PBRs (3.67 and 2.3 g/m2-day), than in controls without solids recycling (4.15 and 3.9 g/m2-day). When fed 1oEff which contained a high amount of readily biodegradable COD, solids recycled PBRs had 30% less VSS in supernatant than controls after 1 hour of settling in Imhoff cones. However, when fed facultative pond water with no readily biodegradable COD there was little difference in supernatant VSS after settling. The type of wastewater influenced COD removal. PBRs had 40-50% soluble COD removal when fed 1oEff, and 10-20% removal when fed FAC. Mean PBR effluent COD was the same in both treatments and controls in when fed 1oEff (42 mg/L). When fed FAC mean effluent COD was marginally lower in solids recycled PBRs (61 mg/L) then in controls (68 mg/L). Most of the COD in 1oEff was readily biodegradable, while most of the COD in FAC was degraded while in facultative ponds leaving mostly recalcitrant and slowly biodegradable COD in FAC. Nitrification occurred more quickly and more reliably in solids recycled PBRs. The difference in nitrification was seen most notably when using FAC as PBR influent, where solids recycled PBRs had complete nitrification, but controls did not. When fed 1oEff all PBRs had complete nitrification, but solids recycled did so sooner. Overall, PBRs with solids recycling were also more resilient to changes in influent wastewater characteristics and had more consistent effluent water quality when fed wastewater that had occasional spikes in nitrogen and organic carbon. The difference between the two wastewaters indicates a possible inhibitory effect of FAC on nitrification. Microscopy data from both studies, though mostly qualitative, seems to indicate that solids recycling promotes biodiversity in algal-bacterial cultures, which may be part of the reason why solids recycling promoted more resilient and reliable treatment.

This master`s thesis is focused on possibility of use of flue gas as source of CO2 for algae cultivation in bioreactors. The first part of the master`s thesis is devoted to a qualitative and quantitative description of flue gas sources as CO2 source for algae cultivation. In the thesis industry sectors with the largest share of CO2 emissions on a global scale and in the Czech republic are summarized. On the basis of these data it was possible to determine cheap sources of CO2 for algae cultivation producing valuable biomass and other bio-products. The composition of flue gas from these sources was discussed in this section also with given expected outlook within the following years. The next part of the thesis is devoted to the influence of flue gas properties on algae cultivation. The impact of flue gas individual parameters on cell growth rate, quality and composition of biomass is described there. The description and design of the bioreactor is processed in the next part of the thesis. The experimental part of the thesis was performed on a bioreactor with similar properties. The next part of the thesis describes the effect of light on algae cultivation and the design of a regulation scheme for bioreactor light source. The experimental part of the thesis describes methods used to determine the concentrations of flue gas substances that could pass from flue gas into cultivation medium for algae cultivation to measure the changing composition of the flue gas in the closed experimental bioreactor system. The processed data from experimental measurements are presented and are discussed. The change in the composition of the culture medium for algae (without the presence of algae) due to flue gas aeration was monitored in the experimental part. It includes also the measurement of the change in the composition of the flue gas in time. All obtained and collected information are then summarized and discussed in the final part of the master`s thesis.

The 178,000-acre Grassland Ecological Area in California’s San Joaquin Valley is managed to provide overwintering habitat to waterfowl on the Pacific Flyway. The major management activity is the fall flooding and spring drawdown of wetlands, timed to optimize the availability of forage vegetation and invertebrates for ducks and shorebirds. Wetland drainage contains salt, boron, and trace elements that are, in part, derived from imported surface water but also concentrate during storage in the wetland impoundments. The spring drawdown drainage contributes to occasional water quality violations in the San Joaquin River (SJR) during dry years. Compliance with water quality objectives may be improved by delaying the traditional wetland drawdown period approximately one month to coincide with high SJR salt assimilative capacity during mid-March to mid- April when reservoir releases are increased to aid salmon migration. However, this delayed drawdown may affect the quality and quantity of wetland vegetative forage, increase wetland soil salinity, and possibly alter the concentrations of algae, invertebrates, and pollutants in the wetlands. In the research presented herein, initial data were collected on the effects of delayed drawdown on algae, invertebrates, and wetland water quality. The experimental sites chosen were three pairs of matched wetland basins (20-100 acres each) that are part of the larger Modified Hydrology Study being conducted in the Grassland Ecological Area. For each pair, one wetland was managed with a traditional March drawdown; while for the second wetland, drawdown was delayed approximately one month to coincide with the period of high SJR assimilative capacity. During the second year of the study, two drainage sites were sampled to characterize drainage flowing to the SJR from an aggregated wetland area. Soil and water column samples were collected during the flooded periods at the inlets, outlets, and along transects within the wetlands. Water quality analyses included total/volatile suspended solids, conductivity, nitrogen (NH4 +, NO2⁻+NO3⁻, organic), phosphorus (total, PO4 3-), organic carbon, alkalinity, turbidity, temperature, and pH. Planktonic and benthic invertebrates were identified and enumerated. Data were collected between February and April in 2007 and again in 2008. Identified phytoplankton were predominantly chlorophytes and diatoms. Zooplankton that feed on phytoplankton were found in abundance and consisted mostly of Cladocera. Benthic invertebrate densities were also measured to help explain the differences in algal concentrations between ponds. Benthic invertebrates were found to be predominantly Chironomidae. Seasonal loads of volatile suspended solids, total dissolved solids, and total organic carbon were estimated at the two aggregate drainage sites and at one delayed drawdown wetland during the 2008 season. For volatile suspended solids, the discharged load was 1500 lbs at the Buttonwillow drainage site, 2500 lbs at the Los Banos 38 drainage site, and upstream of those sites, 770 lbs were discharged from the Mud Slough 4b wetland. For total dissolved solids, the discharged load was 290 tons, 520 tons, and 26 tons, respectively, for the same locations. Of the factors potentially limiting phytoplankton concentrations, invertebrate grazing was likely the most important. Nutrients were not limiting in either the traditional or modified wetlands, as indicated by sufficient N and P content in the algae biomass. Likewise, inorganic C was not limiting, as indicated by pH (most <9.0 pH). Sunlight intensity was not significantly attenuated by water depth or turbidity, and thus light limitation was not indicated.

viii SUMMARY The effect of essential oils and calcified marine algae as natural alternatives to ionophore antibiotics on performance of feedlot cattle by Emile Francois Haasbroek Supervisor: Prof. L.J. Erasmus Department: Animal and Wildlife Sciences Faculty: Natural and Agricultural Sciences Degree: MSc (Agric) Animal Science: Animal Nutrition Ionophore antibiotic supplementation is standard practice in almost all feedlots in the USA, South Africa and many other countries due to its effectiveness to increase feed efficiency and modulate feed intake. Public concern over the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria and the consumers’ demand for safe, high quality nutritious food has stimulated the search for natural alternatives to ionophores in ruminant diets. The objectives of this study were: (i) to compare the effect of a specific blend of essential oils (XTract X60 – 7065 (XTract)) and a rumen buffer (Acid Buf) to monensin and its effects on the performance of feedlot cattle under both experimental and commercial conditions (ii) to determine the effect of these feed additives on the health status of feedlot cattle and (iii) to determine whether Acid Buf can replace monensin as feed additive in high energy feedlot diets based on hominy chop. For the experimental growth trial 180 Bonsmara type animals were blocked into two groups and then allocated to 6 pens with 10 animals each per treatment using a randomised complete block design. The basal diets (starter, intermediate finisher and final finisher) were the same for the Control XTract and Acid Buf; the only difference being the Control treatment was supplemented with monensin (21 – 33 mg /kg DM), the XTract treatment supplemented with XTract (1000 – 1200 mg /h /d) and the Acid Buf treatment supplemented with Acid Buf at 0,6% dietary DM. For the commercial trial, animals were blocked according to the same criteria but for each treatment there were 3 pens, standing 130 head of cattle per pen, therefore 390 animals per treatment. The experimental pen trial was designed for evaluation of growth and the commercial pen trial for evaluation of health status and growth under practical feedlot conditions. In the small pen trial there were no differences (P > 0.05) in DMI, FCR or ADG between treatments. In the commercial trial the XTract supplemented cattle had a higher EW (429.3 vs. 417.5 kg) and ADG (1.77 kg /d vs. 1.70 kg /d) (P < 0.05) compared to monensin supplemented cattle and the Acid Buf supplemented cattle tended (P > 0.10) towards a higher EW (425.3 vs. 417.5 kg) and ADG (1.74 vs. 1.70 kg /d) compared to monensin supplemented cattle. The feed conversion ratios were 5.67 and 5.26 for XTract and monensin supplemented cattle and did not differ (P = 0.26). The feed conversion ratios were 5.22 and 5.26 respectively for Acid Buf and monensin supplemented cattle and did not differ (P = 0.86). Treatments affected health parameters in the commercial pens with 78% healthy animals (not pulled) in the monensin supplemented animals compared to 82% for XTract and 66% for the Acid Buf supplemented animals (P < 0.01). Rumen damage occurred in 73% of monensin supplemented animals compared to 51% for the Acid Buf supplemented animals and only 24% of the XTract supplemented animals (P < 0.01). Differences in health parameters did not seem to affect the overall growth performance of the cattle, suggesting a relatively minor effect on performance. Results from this large scale study should provide South African feedlot operators with sufficient information to make informed decisions on natural alternatives when the day comes that ionophores are placed on the banned list of ruminant feed additives. Further research, however, is needed on determining the optimal dose, dietary dependant responses, adaptation of rumen microbial populations and potential additive or synergistic effects when supplemented together with other rumen modifiers. Furthermore, the cost: benefit ratio should be determined under the prevailing conditions in different countries. / Dissertation (MSc Agric)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / unrestricted

La gran actividad metabólica que caracteriza la microbiota permite mantener una relación de simbiosis con el ser humano, impactando de forma positiva en el desarrollo vital de ambos. Algunos alimentos aportan a la microbiota, entre estos se encuentran los fermentados, verduras, frutas y algas. La biota de diferentes algas ha sido tipificada, sin embargo no se habían realizado estudios del alga roja más consumida en Perú, Chondracanthus chamissoi (Yuyo). En este estudio se tipificó la microbiota de C. chamissoi Ancón y Paracas, las cuales fueron extraídas del mar, compradas del mercado del lugar, además se muestreó agua de mar de Ancón (Lima) y Paracas (Ica) mediante secuenciación de nueva generación (NGS, por sus siglas en inglés) del gen 16S rRNA. Como resultado se obtuvo un total de 153 323 secuencias, las cuales fueron asignadas taxonómicamente en 19 filos, 41 clases, 90 órdenes, 193 familias, 484 géneros y 716 especies mediante la plataforma Base Space de Illumina. El filo más encontrado fue Proteobacterias seguido por Bacteroidetes y Cyanobacterias. Se encontraron 24 especies en común entre las muestras de alga. Además, se encontró un número elevado de especies presentes solo en muestras extraídas de los mercados correspondientes, indicando posible contaminación cruzada. Entre el 55,27%-58,87% de especies bacterianas encontradas resultaron no estar clasificadas. El análisis semi-cuantitativo permitió a su vez asignar la representación relativa de cada bacteria en las algas de Ancón y Paracas. Muchas especies que se encontraron en una abundancia significativa han sido previamente estudiadas, muchas de ellas implicadas en la industria alimentaria y/o salud de humanos y animales. Este es el caso de Psycrobacter namhaensis; empleada como probiótico para la tilapia del Nilo de manera exitosa. Lewinella marina es capaz de utilizar la celulosa como fuente de energía y así degradarla pudiendo ser útil en la industria cervecera. Pseudoalteromonas rubra posee poder probiótico al mejorar el cultivo de las larvas del pez dorado Seriola lalandi y además Loktanella sp. posee ácidos grasos omega 6, 7, 10. En conjunto, el presente estudio describe de manera exhaustiva la riqueza microbiana asociada al yuyo, importante componente de la gastronomía peruana. / The great metabolic activity that characterizes the microbiota allows it to maintain a symbiosis relationship with the human being, positively impacting the development of both. Some foods contribute to the microbiota, among these are fermented, vegetables, fruits and algae. The biota of different algae have been typified, however, there are no studies of the most consumed red seaweed in Peru, Chondracanthus chamissoi, kown as “yuyo”. In this study, the microbiota of C. chamissoi from Ancon and Paracas were typified and compared. Samples of the algae were collected from the sea, from the local market as well as a sample of the sea water for analysis by next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rRNA gene. As a result, we obtained a total of 153,323 sequences which were taxonomically assigned on 19 phylums, 41 classes, 90 orders, 193 families, 484 genera and 716 species using the Illumina Base Space platform. The most commonly found phylum was Proteobacteria followed by Bacteroidetes and Cyanobacteria. Twenty four species were found in common among the algae samples. In addition, a large number of species were found only in samples taken from the corresponding markets, indicating possible cross contamination. Between 55.27% -58.87% of the bacterial species found were not classified previously. A semi- quantitative analysis allowed to assign the relative representation of each bacterium in the algae from both locations, Ancon and Paracas. Many species that were found abundant have been previously studied, many of them involved in the food and / or health industry humans and animals. This is the case of Psycrobacter namhaensis; successfully used as a probiotic for Nile tilapia. Lewinella marina can use cellulose as a source of energy and, therefore, degrade it and can be useful in the beer industry. Pseudoalteromonas rubra has probiotic power by improving the culture of the larvae of the goldfish Seriola lalandi and also Loktanella sp. It contains omega 6, 7, 10 fatty acids. In summary, this study comprehensively describes for the first time the microbial richness associated with the yuyo, an important component of Peruvian cuisine. / Tesis

Around 70% of the world is covered with water but only 2.5% of it is freshwater and even less is available for the ecosystem and humanity. The limited available fresh water is facing increasing challenges from water pollutions and eutrophication is one of the major concerns worldwide. The reason of eutrophication is the presence of excessive amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen in water bodies, which may cause algal blooms and a variety of harms to aquatic ecosystem in association with algal blooms. Among these two components, phosphorus plays a major role in eutrophication control and recovery since atmospheric N2 can be fixed by biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) processes and is therefore of little meaning to control. In this study, we investigated for the first time the potential of using controlled growth of algae and, in particular, filamentous cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis, for eutrophic water restoration. This study investigated the algal cell growth, algal by-product production, and removal of phosphate by S. platensis at different phosphate levels in artificial wastewaters and eutrophic waters. Results indicate that S. platensis could remove 90.17% of phosphorus from artificial wastewaters containing 10 mg/L phosphate in a 16-day cultivation period. When tested for eutrophic water restoration, S. platensis was able to convert hypo-eutrophic, eutrophic, and meso-eutrophic waters to oligotrophic water. It was shown that by using 100- micron nylon mesh cloth we could keep biomass concentration to be lower than 0.30±0.02 g/L. In the meantime, light/dark tests indicate that the dissolved oxygen level would not go below the hypoxic level, i.e., 4 mg/L after a 12-hour dark period at biomass concentration up to 1 g/L. These results indicate that it is possible to use S. platensis for both control of point source discharge and eutrophic water restoration.