Terrestrial mosses as a substrate and potential host for cyanobacteria, green algae and diatoms.

Most studies of terrestrial bryophytes as natural substrates for photosynthetic microorganisms have been performed in the polar regions, where bryophytes are an important part of the ecosystem. As they remain green throughout the year, bryophytes may also be an ideal substrate for epiphytic organisms in temperate regions. The present study investigated the colonization potential and diversity of microalgae on selected plant species in riparian forest and spruce monoculture in a temperate region. It examines whether the presence of algae is related to substrate humidity, the micromorphology of gametophyte or the seasonal availability of substrate. The taxonomic diversity of algae was studied. Cyanobacteria and green algae were cultured on BG-11 agar medium, while diatoms were identified in permanent diatomaceous slides. The alpha- and beta-diversity indices were calculated, and the communities were compared using Bray-Curtis distances and multidimensional correspondence analyses. Our findings indicate that the largest number of alga species were diatoms; however, their presence was only observed in riparian forest and was associated with high humidity. Both aerophilic and freshwater taxa were noted, the latter carried by water from nearby aquatic ecosystem. Green algae were present in both phytocoenoses and humidity appears to have no substantial effect on the degree of colonization; their diversity was low and the group consisted of terrestrial taxa. In two bryophytes growing at the highest humidity, cyanobacteria were only identified in culture. The key factor influencing the degree of microalgae colonization was the humidity of the substrate, which was related to the distance from water.

Siloxane Containing Polyether Groups-Synthesis and Use as an Anti-Biocorrosion Coating.

In the presented study, the effectiveness of a siloxane polyether (HOL7) coating on glass against microbiological colonization was assessed using microalgae as a key component of widespread aerial biofilms. The siloxane polyether was successfully synthesized by a hydrosilylation reaction in the presence of Karstedt's catalyst. The product structure was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and GPC analysis. In addition, the thermal stability of HOL7 was studied by thermogravimetric measurement. Subsequently, the surfaces of glass plates were modified with the obtained organosilicon derivative. In the next step, a microalgal experiment was conducted. A mixture of four strains of algal taxa isolated from building materials was used for the experiment-Chlorodium saccharophilum PNK010, Klebsormidium flaccidum PNK013, Pseudostichococcus monallantoides PNK037, and Trebouxia aggregata PNK080. The choice of these algae followed from their wide occurrence in terrestrial environments. Application of an organofunctional siloxane compound on the glass reduced, more or less effectively, the photosynthetic activity of algal cells, depending on the concentration of the compound. Since the structure of the compound was not based on biocide-active agents, its effectiveness was associated with a reduction in water content in the cells.

Effect of solar and artificial lighting on microalgae cultivation and treatment of liquid digestate.

A comparative study was carried out to assess the effect of two light sources on microalgae cultivation and the treatment of liquid digestate. The R1 photobioreactor operated with LED lightning allowed to achieve moderate nutrient removal rates whereas soluble COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) was reduced in 90%. After switching this reactor into sunlight, the removal rate of phosphates increased to 66%. However, the greatest removal rate of both nutrients and sCOD of up to 93% was observed in the R2 photobioreactor operated only under sunlight. Microglena sp. was the dominant algae growing in the R1 reactor, and the main bacteria families detected were Chitinophagaceae, Sphingomonadaceae and Xanthobacteraceae. In contrast, Tetradesmus obliquus dominated in the R2 reactor and Rhodanobacteraceae, Chitinophagaceae and A4b were predominant bacteria in this run. Furthermore, much greater biomass productivity as well as overall biomass density was observed in the R2 photobioreactor cultivated exclusively with solar lightning.

Treatment of Liquid Digestate by Green Algal Isolates from Artificial Eutrophic Pond.

The ability of aquatic microalgae to treat the liquid digestate obtained from the anaerobic digestion of plant waste was investigated. Microalgae were isolated from natural environment for a laboratory-scale cultivation and were then used to remove nutrients and organic contaminants from the liquid digestate. It was shown that the microalgae consortia (Tetradesmus obliquus, Microglena sp., Desmodesmus subspicatus) could reduce nitrogen, phosphates, and total COD by up to 70%, 57%, and 95%, respectively. A new algae genus Microglena was isolated, which in a consortium with Tetradesmus obliquus and Desmodesmus subspicatus exhibited a high efficiency in the removal of both organic contaminants and nutrients from the liquid fraction of digestate.

Multistep approach to control microbial fouling of historic building materials by aerial phototrophs.

The scientific multistep approach described herein is a result of two years of research into a control method against microbial fouling and biodeterioration of historic building materials by phototrophs. A series of tests were conducted to select the best antifouling agent for eliminating 'green' coatings and protecting surfaces against biofouling. Of the seven active compounds, two with the best penetration abilities were subjected to a photosynthetic activity inhibition test using confocal microscopy. Of the two, a quaternary ammonium salt (QAC) - didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) - was found to be the most effective. Ten biocides containing QACs at different concentrations were then tested against 'green' coatings on wood, brick and plaster, with the best four being selected for further research in model conditions. As a result, biocides containing >14% (v v-1) DDAC were found to be successful antifouling agents for protecting historical materials against biodeterioration by phototrophs.

Effect of Clove and Thyme Essential Oils on Candida Biofilm Formation and the Oil Distribution in Yeast Cells.

Candida biofilm structure is particularly difficult to eradicate, since biofilm is much more resistant to antifungal agents than planktonic cells. In this context, a more effective strategy seems to be the prevention of biofilm formation than its eradication. The aim of the study was to examine whether the process of initial colonization of materials (glass, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene) by food-borne Candida sp. can be impeded by clove and thyme essential oils, used at their minimal inhibitory concentrations. In the presence of clove oil, 68.4-84.2% of the yeast tested showed a statistically significant reduction in biofilm formation, depending on the material. After treatment with thyme oil, statistically significant decrease in biofilm cell numbers was observed for 63.2-73.7% of yeasts. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed diverse compounds of clove and thyme oils that were disparately located in C. albicans cell, on a cell wall and a cell membrane, in cytoplasm, and in vacuoles, depicting the multidirectional action of essential oils. However, essential oils that were used in sub-inhibitory concentration were sequestrated in the yeast vacuoles, which indicate the activation of Candida defense mechanisms by cell detoxification. Clove and thyme essential oils due to their anti-biofilm activity can be efficiently used in the prevention of the tested abiotic surfaces colonization by Candida sp.

Protection of Historical Wood against Microbial Degradation-Selection and Application of Microbiocides.

The aim of this study was to select effective and safe microbiocides for the disinfection and protection of historical wooden surfaces at the former Auschwitz II-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp. We tested seven active compounds against bacteria and moulds, of which didecyldimethylammonium chloride and N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-dodecylpropane-1,3-diamine were effective even at 0.02%-2%. Subsequently, eight microbiocides containing the selected active ingredients were chosen and applied three times on the surface of wood samples colonized by bacteria and moulds. ABM-1 and ABM-2-6% solution; Rocima 101-8%; Preventol R 80-12%; Acticide 706 LV-15% and Boramon-30% were the most effective disinfectants. Under laboratory conditions, ABM-1, Boramon and Rocima 101 ensured antimicrobial protection of new wood samples for six months. In situ, 30% Boramon and 8% Rocima 101 applied by spraying effectively protected the historical wood from bacterial and mould growth for 12 and 3 months, respectively. Colour and luminance of the new wood were not altered after exposure to the biocides. Boramon and Rocima 101, applied by the spraying method, caused no significant change in the colour of the historical wood. Results from this study were used to develop a procedure for the protection of wood in historical buildings against biodeterioration.

Assessment of biological colonization of historic buildings in the former Auschwitz II-Birkenau concentration camp.

The objective of this study was to assess biological colonization of wooden and brick buildings in the former Auschwitz II-Birkenau concentration camp, and to identify the organisms colonizing the examined buildings. Microbiological analysis did not reveal increased microbial activity, and the total microbial count of the barrack surfaces did not exceed 103 CFU/100 cm2. However, certain symptoms of biodegradation of the buildings were observed. The predominant microflora consisted of bacteria of the genera Bacillus, Sporosarcina, Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, Streptomyces, and Staphylococcus, as well as fungi of the genera Acremonium, Cladosporium, Alternaria, Humicola, Penicillium, and Chaetomium. The microflora patterns varied both in wooden and brick buildings. The structural elements of wooden and brick barracks, and especially of the floors and lower parts of bathroom walls, were infected by cyanobacteria and algae, with the most numerous being cyanobacteria of the genera Scytonema, Chroococcus, Gloeothece, Leptolyngbya, diatoms of the genus Diadesmis, and chlorophytes of the genera Chlorella and Apatococcus. The outer surfaces of the examined buildings were primarily colonized by lichens and bryophytes, with nearly 30 species identified. The dominant species of lichens belonged to the genera Candelariella, Caloplaca, Lecanora, Lecidea, Lepraria, Physcia, and Protoparmeliopsis, and those of bryophytes to the genera Bryum, Ceratodon, Marchantia, and Tortula. The quantity and species diversity of lichens and mosses were much lower in wooden barracks than in brick ones. The external surfaces of those barracks were only affected by Lecanora conizaeoides, Lecanora symmicta, Lepraria cf. incana, and Strangospora pinicola. The study results revealed vast biodiversity among the species colonizing historic buildings. The presence of these groups of organisms, resulting from their natural expansion in the environment, is undesirable, as their excessive growth and spread may lead to progressive biodegradation of buildings. Our assessment of biological contamination will enable the development of a disinfection and conservation plan for the examined buildings.

Growth of microalgae and cyanobacteria consortium in a photobioreactor treating liquid anaerobic digestate from vegetable waste.

This research examines the biological treatment of undiluted vegetable waste digestate conducted in a bubble column photobioreactor. Initially, the bioreactor containing 3N-BBM medium was inoculated with Microglena sp., Tetradesmus obliquus, and Desmodesmus subspicatus mixture with a density of 1.0 × 104 cells/mL and the consortium was cultivated for 30 days. Then, the bioreactor was semi-continuously fed with liquid digestate with hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 30 days, and the treatment process was continued for the next 15 weeks. The change in the microalgal and cyanobacterial species domination was measured in regular intervals using cell counting with droplet method on a microscope slide. At the end of the experiment, Desmonostoc sp. cyanobacteria (identified with 16S ribosomal RNA genetical analysis) as well as Tetradesmus obliquus green algae along with Rhodanobacteraceae and Planococcaceae bacteria (determined with V3-V4 16sRNA metagenomic studies) dominated the microbial community in the photobioreactor. The experiment demonstrated high treatment efficiency, since nitrogen and soluble COD were removed by 89.3 ± 0.5% and 91.2 ± 1.6%, respectively, whereas for phosphates, 72.8 ± 2.1% removal rate was achieved.

Plagiotheciumtalbotii, a new species from the Aleutian Islands (Alaska, U.S.A.).

Plagiotheciumtalbotii sp. nov. is described from Attu Island, Alaska, U.S.A. The newly-described species is not similar in appearance to any Northern Hemisphere species; only the habit is similar to P.platyphyllum. However, it not only occupies a different habitat than that species, but genetically and morphologically, it is clearly distinct from it. The results of DNA sequencing, a detailed description of the morphological features, illustrations, ecological preferences and currently known geographical distribution of P.talbotii are presented. The most important distinguishing morphological features of this species are: the size of the plant; dimensions and symmetry of the leaves; dimensions of cells and their areolation; entire leaf apex; and long decurrencies with some inflated cells. Additionally, we propose to place P.talbotii in section Plagiothecium, which is confirmed by genetic analysis and morphological features.

Taxonomic revision of the Plagiothecium curvifolium complex.

Supported by the examination of specimens from the entire range and by the analysis of type specimens and the diagnosis of individual names, morphological and genetic studies of the Plagiothecium curvifolium complex resulted in the conclusion that this taxon should be recognized as four separate taxa. In addition to P. curvifolium s.str., there is a variety that is proposed as a new combination-P. curvifolium var. recurvum; resurrection of the forgotten P. decursivifolium; and the description of a new species-P. imbricatum. The features that distinguish individual taxa focus primarily on: plant size; arrangement of leaves on the stem; the symmetry, dimensions, shape, concavity and folding of leaves; cell length; serration of the leaf apex; the shape of the decurrencies; the length of the sporophyte and the shape of the operculum. For all described taxa, the distribution, ecological preferences, key to their identification and detailed photographic documentation have been provided.

Towards understanding the link between the deterioration of building materials and the nature of aerophytic green algae.

The gradual degradation of technical materials by bacteria, cyanobacteria and fungi, is of great economic and social significance. In temperate climates, microbial colonization is associated with phototrophic eukaryotes, predominantly aerial green algae. However, these phototrophs are able to colonize most substrates in all terrestrial environments, regardless he geographical area. As little is known of the life processes of green algae, it is widely believed that their impact on materials is purely aesthetic. Most studies on the deterioration of building materials examine both algae and cyanobacteria and propose various methods, mainly conservation practices, to halt the causes and effects of algal colonization. However, to fully comprehend the phenomenon of biodeterioration by green algae, it is essential to understand both the causes and effects of their activities, as their life processes have considerable influence on changes of technical state of building materials. Aerophytic green algae possess various cellular adaptations and life mechanisms to survive and successfully develop in the harsh terrestrial environment. In response to desiccation, UV radiation and high/low temperature fluctuation they form endo- and epilithic biofilms, produce various protective biomolecules and extracellular matrices, and change the volume of cells. Due to their adaptation mechanisms and wide ecological tolerance, green algae undoubtedly have a high potential to accelerate the degradation of building materials. This article reviews the current state of knowledge regarding the mechanisms of biodeterioration, examines the role played by green algae as a result of their adaptation to a terrestrial environment, presents methods that can be used to prevent the development of green algal biofilms and indicate future prospects in the assessment of algal deterioration studies.

Persistent Cyanobacteria Blooms in Artificial Water Bodies-An Effect of Environmental Conditions or the Result of Anthropogenic Change.

Algal blooms are an emerging problem. The massive development of phytoplankton is driven partly by the anthropogenic eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems and the expansion of toxic cyanobacteria in planktonic communities in temperate climate zones by the continual increase in global temperature. Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) not only disturb the ecological balance of the ecosystem, but they also prevent the use of waterbodies by humans. This study examines the cause of an unusual, persistent bloom in a recreational, flow-through reservoir; the findings emphasize the role played by the river supplying the reservoir in the formation of its massive cyanobacterial bloom. Comprehensive ecosystem-based environmental studies were performed, including climate change investigation, hydrochemical analysis, and bio-assessment of the ecological state of the river/reservoir, together with monitoring the cyanobacteria content of phytoplankton. Our findings show that the persistent and dominant biomass of Microcystis was related to the N/P ratio, while the presence of Aphanizomenon and Dolichospermum was associated with the high-temperature end electric conductivity of water. Together with the increase in global temperature, the massive and persistent cyanobacterial bloom appears to be maintained by the inflow of biogenic compounds carried by the river and the high electric conductivity of water. Even at the beginning of the phenomenon, the reservoir water already contained cyanobacterial toxins, which excluded its recreational use for about half the year.

Plagiotheciumschofieldii, a new species from the Aleutian Islands (Alaska, USA).

Plagiotheciumschofieldii sp. nov. is described from the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, U.S.A. Some morphological features of this species correspond to P.lamprostachys (Southern Hemisphere species); however, Plagiotheciumschofieldii is genetically and morphologically different from this and other common Northern Hemisphere species e.g., P.denticulatum, P.platyphyllum, or P.ruthei. The most important distinguishing morphological features differentiating this species are: the arrangement of the leaves on the stem; dimensions, concavity and symmetry of the leaves; dimensions of cells and their areolation; orientation of capsules. Additionally, due to the strong concavity of the leaves, they are very often badly damaged under the microscope. We present the results of DNA research of the analyzed samples, and a detailed description of the morphological features. The new species is illustrated, and its ecological preferences and currently known geographical distribution are presented. Additionally, the authors propose to add this species to Plagiothecium section, which is confirmed by morphological features and genetic analysis.

Response of diatom assemblages to the disruption of the running water continuum in urban areas, and its consequences on bioassessment.

Transformation of river and stream channels disrupts their natural ecological cycles and interrupts the continuum of their ecosystems. Changes in natural hydromorphological conditions transform lotic communities into those atypical of flowing waters, resulting in bioassessment procedures yielding incorrect results. This study shows how hydromorphological transformations of ecosystems affect the ecological status bioassessment results by disturbing diatom communities typical for rivers. Moreover, the article presents a new biological assessment procedure for urban transformed rivers including the verification of the community structure based on autecology and quantity of species. The ecological status of the ecosystem was assessed using benthic diatom assemblages and supported with results of hydrochemical analysis. The structure of the assemblages and their relationships between individual sampling sites were clarified by shade plot and multivariate data analyses. The analysis of dominant species vitality at sampling sites and their autecology gave the foundation for modification of taxa data matrix and recalculation the diatom indices. Biological assessment showed that one of the artificial ponds constructed at the stream channel was characterized by good ecological status, and its presence strongly affected the state of the downstream ecosystem following the development of a unique assemblage of diatoms that prefer oligosaprobic and oligotrophic waters. The presence of these species was also noted in the downstream sections, but most of the cells were dead. As the indicator values of these taxa are high, their presence artificially increased the ecological status of the stream, resulting in the hydrochemical assessment not being in line with the bioassessment. Therefore, a new procedure was adopted in which non-characteristic taxa for the downstream sections were excluded from analysis. This approach corrected the results of bioassessment characterizing the ecological status of the stream as poor along its entire course, with the exception of this unique pond. For hydromorphologically transformed streams and rivers with disturbed channel continuity, the correct result of an incorrect diatom-based bioassessment may be retrieved after excluding species unusual for the type of ecosystem from the studied assemblages, i.e., the species which are unable to reproduce in that area and are only carried into it by the water flow. Assessment of the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems based on biotic factors is an essential tool of aquatic ecosystems monitoring in many countries. This type of assessment requires a multifaceted approach, in particular, to identify factors that may disrupt this assessment. Standardization of biomonitoring methods is an important step in correct assessment; thus, the findings of this paper will be useful in routine biomonitoring around the world.

Resurrection of the Plagiothecium longisetum Lindb. and proposal of the new species-P. angusticellum.

Plagiothecium longisetum was described by Lindberg in 1872, based on Maximowicz materials from Japan. In the 1970s, this species was synonymized with P. nemorale. However, a polyphasic approach applied to the investigation of the P. nemorale sensu lato showed a clear separation between the specimens of former P. longisetum and the type of P. nemorale. Morphological features and molecular analyses provide evidence that those two groups are distinct, as well as allowed to describe the new species. The results are strongly supported by the statistical analyses of morphometric features and phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated nuclear and chloroplast DNA markers. The maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) analyses of ITS, rps4 and rpl16 regions place both species outside the P. nemorale group. The distinctions between individual species, reflected by the morphological features-easy to observe-and the molecular data, provide a scientific foundation for the resurrection of P. longisetum Lindb. and establishment of a new species-P. angusticellum sp. nov.

Detailed characterization of the Arthrospira type species separating commercially grown taxa into the new genus Limnospira (Cyanobacteria).

The genus Arthrospira has a long history of being used as a food source in different parts of the world. Its mass cultivation for production of food supplements and additives has contributed to a more detailed study of several species of this genus. In contrast, the type species of the genus (A. jenneri), has scarcely been studied. This work adopts a polyphasic approach to thoroughly investigate environmental samples of A. jenneri, whose persistent bloom was noticed in an urban reservoir in Poland, Central Europe. The obtained results were compared with strains designated as A. platensis, A. maxima, and A. fusiformis from several culture collections and other Arthrospira records from GenBank. The comparison has shown that A. jenneri differs from popular species that are massively utilized commercially with regard to its cell morphology, ultrastructure and ecology, as well as its 16S rRNA gene sequence. Based on our findings, we propose the establishment of a new genus, Limnospira, which currently encompasses three species including the massively produced L. (A.) fusiformis and L. (A.) maxima with the type species Limnospira fusiformis.

Dynamics in cyanobacterial communities from a relatively stable environment in an urbanised area (ambient springs in Central Poland).

Ambient springs are often cited as an example of an ecosystem with stable environmental conditions. A static biotope fosters the development of constant communities with a stable qualitative and relatively stable quantitative structure. Two years of studying cyanobacteria in different microhabitats of the rheocrenic and limnocrenic ambient springs located in urban areas showed that there is a high degree of cyanobacterial diversity and spatial and seasonal dynamics in communities. Spatial heterogeneity in relation to the type of spring and the type of microhabitat is reflected not only by a change in the quantitative structure (the number of species and their biomass), but also by a change in the composition of species. Seasonal changes depended on the type of spring and the type of microhabitat, where weather conditions influenced the communities by different degrees. Cyanobacterial communities of limnocrenes were more diverse in terms of composition and biomass, but they revealed a low seasonal dynamic in contrast to the communities of rheocrenes. The classification of springs based on their environmental conditions revealed that some springs were similar. The resemblance stemmed from the origin of human impact, which was reflected to a high degree in changes in the natural hydrochemical conditions of the springs. For the purpose of understanding which environmental factors had the greatest influence on cyanobacterial communities, a BIO-ENV procedure was performed. The procedure revealed that of most importance was a group of ions not related to the nature of the spring environment - NH4+, NO2-, NO3-, and PO43-. The presence of these ions in groundwater was a result of direct and indirect human activity in the area of aquifers. The dynamics in communities in the studied springs were accelerated by human impact and weather conditions.

Silver nanoparticles as a control agent against facades coated by aerial algae-A model study of Apatococcus lobatus (green algae).

Aerial algae are an important biological factor causing the biodegradation of building materials and facades. Conservation procedures aimed at the protection of historic and utility materials must be properly designed to avoid an increase of the degradation rate. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) synthetized with features contributing to the accessibility and toxicity (spherical shape, small size) on the most frequently occurring species of green algae in aerial biofilms and thus, the most common biodegradation factor-Apatococcus lobatus. Changes in the chloroplasts structure and the photosynthetic activity of the cells under AgNP exposure were made using confocal laser microscopy and digital image analysis and the estimation of growth inhibition rate was made using a biomass assay. In the majority of cases, treatment with AgNP caused a time and dose dependant degradation of chloroplasts and decrease in the photosynthetic activity of cells leading to the inhibition of aerial algae growth. However, some cases revealed an adaptive response of the cells. The response was induced by either a too low, or-after a short time-too high concentration of AgNP. Taken together, the data suggest that AgNP may be used as a biocide against aerial algal coatings; however, with a proper caution related to the concentration of the nanoparticles.

Quaternary ammonium biocides as antimicrobial agents protecting historical wood and brick.

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are widely used in disinfection of water, surfaces and instruments as well as in textile, leather and food industries because of their relatively low toxicity, broad antimicrobial spectrum, non-volatility and chemical stability. Due to these advantages, QACs are also used in restoration and can be applied on historical material. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of biocides based on quaternary ammonium salts and containing various excipients in the protection of historical materials against microbial growth. The study determined the antimicrobial activity of three biocides against bacteria: Pseudomonas fluorescens, Staphylococcus equorum, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus muralis, Sporosarcina aquimarina and Rhodococcus fascians, and moulds: Chaetomium globosum, Penicillium citreonigrum, Cladosporium cladosporioides I, Acremonium strictum, Aspergillus fumigatus and Cladosporium cladosporioides II, all isolated from historical wood and brick. Staphylococcus equorum, Bacillus cereus, Sporosarcina aquimarina and Rhodococcus fascians bacteria, and Cladosporium cladosporioides I and Acremonium strictum moulds showed high sensitivity to quaternary ammonium biocides. Historical wood can be effectively disinfected by three applications of biocide A (30% v/v) containing dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), citric acid, propiconazole and propanol. Disinfection of historical brick can be carried out by three applications of 6% v/v solutions of biocide B (based on DDAC and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid - EDTA) or biocide C (containing a non-ionic surfactant, DDAC and EDTA). Effective protection of historical building materials against microbial growth for a period of seven days can be achieved by the application of biocide A (30% v/v) on the wood surface and biocide B (6% v/v) on the brick surface.