RESUMO
The need for clean and low-cost algae production demands for investigations on algal physiological response under different growth conditions. In this research, we investigated the growth, biomass production and biochemical composition of Chlorella vulgaris using semi-continuous cultures employing three growth media (LC Oligo, Chu 10 and WC media). The highest cell density was obtained in LC Oligo, while the lowest in Chu medium. Chlorophyll a, carbohydrate and protein concentrations and yield were highest in Chu and LC Oligo media. Lipid class analysis showed that hydrocarbons (HC), sterol esthers (SE), free fatty acids (FFA), aliphatic alcohols (ALC), acetone mobile polar lipids (AMPL) and phospholipids (PL) concentrations and yields were highest in the Chu medium. Triglyceride (TAG) and sterol (ST) concentrations were highest in the LC Oligo medium. The results suggested that for cost effective cultivation, LC Oligo medium is the best choice among those studied, as it saved the cost of buying vitamins and EDTA associated with the other growth media, while at the same time resulted in the best growth performance and biomass production.
Assuntos
Biomassa , Chlorella vulgaris , Meios de Cultura/farmacologia , Proteínas de Algas/análise , Carboidratos/análise , Chlorella vulgaris/química , Chlorella vulgaris/efeitos dos fármacos , Chlorella vulgaris/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Clorofila/análise , Clorofila A , Lipídeos/análiseRESUMO
Fatty acids are the fundamental structural components of membrane lipids, and the degree of saturation of the long hydrocarbon chains in microalgae contributes to regulation of growth, biomass production and reproduction of aquatic consumers. This research aimed at evaluating the effects of cadmium (2×10(-8); 10(-7) mol L(-1) Cd) on lipid class and fatty acid composition of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris under varying phosphate (PO(4)(3-)) concentrations (6.0×10(-7) to 2.3×10(-4) mol L(-1)). Under PO(4)(3-) limitation and Cd stress, the storage lipid class triacylglycerol (TAG) was the most accumulated among the lipid classes. Fatty acid composition revealed that the degree of saturation increased with increasing Cd stress and PO(4)(3-) limitation. Decreasing PO(4)(3-) and increasing Cd concentrations resulted in higher saturated fatty acid (SAFA) and monounsaturated FA (MUFA) concentrations. Total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and ω3 PUFA, and PUFA:SAFA ratios were higher in the control (2.3×10(-4) mol L(-1) PO(4)(3-)) cells than in either PO(4)(3-) limitation or Cd stress, or in the combination of both stresses. Contrasting with all the other PUFAs, 18:2n - 6 increased as PO(4)(3-) limitation increased. A significant positive relationship of PUFAs, acetone mobile polar lipids (AMPL) and phospholipids (PL) with phosphate concentration in the culture media was obtained, while TAG concentrations had a positive association with total MUFA and SAFA. Total SAFA, 14:0, 18:1n - 9 and 18:2n - 6 were positively correlated with Cd and negatively with PO(4)(3-) concentrations. The microalga responded to combined PO(4)(3-) limitation and Cd exposure by increasing its total lipid production and significantly altering its lipid composition. The FA 18:2n - 6 may be considered a stress biomarker for PO(4)(3-) limitation and Cd stress in C. vulgaris.
Assuntos
Cádmio/toxicidade , Chlorella vulgaris/química , Chlorella vulgaris/efeitos dos fármacos , Lipídeos/análise , Fosfatos/toxicidade , Poluentes Químicos da Água/toxicidade , Ácidos Graxos/químicaRESUMO
Plankton diversity, physical and chemical variables and chlorophyll a were analyzed in two shallow urban reservoirs with different trophic degrees on Pernambuco State, northeastern Brazil. High eutrophication levels were observed in Apipucos reservoir, while Prata reservoir was considered oligotrophic. Values reported for physical and chemical variables and chlorophyll a differed among the studied ecosystems. Richness and plankton diversity were higher in Apipucos reservoir especially for phytoplankton. The presence of potential toxic Cyanophyceae in both reservoirs reflects a problem mainly to Prata reservoir, which is used for public water supply. Differences were observed for some variables among sites of study in Apipucos reservoir, while the differences among strata were negligible in both reservoirs, reflecting the water column mixing by wind action. Rainfall regulated the temporal dynamics for the analyzed variables, with significant seasonal differences, mainly for the major of limnological variables in Apipucos reservoir. Plankton diversity was higher in Apipucos reservoir, especially to phytoplankton, showing that eutrophication and pollution can favor plankton diversity in tropical urban shallow reservoirs.