Cultivation and Photophysiological Characteristics of Desmids in Moderately Saline Aquaculture Wastewater.

Although desmids typically inhabit freshwater environments characterized by low amounts of nutrients and low salinity, several desmid species have been recorded in eutrophic waters, indicating their adaptation to elevated pollution and conductivity. This study aimed to determine whether desmids could be used for remediation of moderately saline aquaculture wastewater (AWW) from a fish farm situated in the southeast of Sweden. Fourteen desmid strains isolated from different climates (tropical to polar) and trophic conditions (oligotrophic to eutrophic) were cultivated in diluted AWW and we estimated their growth rates, biomass, nutrient removal efficiency, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and cellular C, N and P quotas. Despite being grown at moderate salinity, unfavourable N:P ratio, and relatively low light/temperature regime the eutrophic strains, Cosmarium humile, Cosmarium laeve and a meso-oligotrophic species Cosmarium impressulum, completely absorbed nitrate and phosphate from AWW media after 7 d, indicating their potential for remediation of fish effluents in colder climates. These species, along with the typical eutrophic species, Cosmarium meneghinii and Staurastrum chaetoceras, had biomass in the range 0.45-1.19 g · L-1 while maximum growth rates ranged from 0.36 to 0.51 · d-1 , similar to published rates for several fast-growing green microalgae cultivated in various AWW types. Tropical desmids had distinctly high values of saturating irradiance (Ik  > 1,000 µmol photons · m-2  · s-1 ), and, along with eutrophic desmids, had high potential electron transport (rETRmax  > 155 rel. units). Hence, the desmids studied demonstrated inherent photophysiological responses corresponding to their climate and trophic origin under the suboptimal growth conditions.

The Penium margaritaceum Genome: Hallmarks of the Origins of Land Plants.

The evolutionary features and molecular innovations that enabled plants to first colonize land are not well understood. Here, insights are provided through our report of the genome sequence of the unicellular alga Penium margaritaceum, a member of the Zygnematophyceae, the sister lineage to land plants. The genome has a high proportion of repeat sequences that are associated with massive segmental gene duplications, likely facilitating neofunctionalization. Compared with representatives of earlier diverging algal lineages, P. margaritaceum has expanded repertoires of gene families, signaling networks, and adaptive responses that highlight the evolutionary trajectory toward terrestrialization. These encompass a broad range of physiological processes and protective cellular features, such as flavonoid compounds and large families of modifying enzymes involved in cell wall biosynthesis, assembly, and remodeling. Transcriptome profiling further elucidated adaptations, responses, and selective pressures associated with the semi-terrestrial ecosystems of P. margaritaceum, where a simple body plan would be an advantage.

Cosmarium bromelicola sp. nov. (Desmidiaceae, Zygnematophyceae), a new desmid species from Northeast Brazil / Cosmarium bromelicola sp. nov. (Desmidiaceae, Zygnematophyceae), uma nova espécie de desmídia do nordeste do Brazil

Abstract Cosmarium bromelicola sp. nov. is a new desmid species described from samplings carried out in bromeliad tanks (phytotelmata) from an area of rocky outcrops at Serra da Jiboia, Bahia State, Northeast Brazil. Presence of subtrapeziform cells with a deep depression at the apical region and twisted X-shaped cell in side view are the diagnostic features for the species. Relationships with the morphologically closest taxa are discussed.

Resumo Cosmarium bromelicola sp. nov. é uma nova espécie de desmídia descrita a partir de amostragens realizadas em tanques de bromélias (fitotelmata) de uma área de afloramentos rochosos na Serra da Jiboia, Bahia, nordeste do Brasil. A presença de células trapeziformes com uma depressão profunda na região apical e célula em forma de X em vista lateral são as características diagnósticas da espécie. Relações com os táxons morfologicamente próximos são discutidas.

Darkness-induced effects on gene expression in Cosmarium crenatum (Zygnematophyceae) from a polar habitat.

Light is a key environmental regulator in all photosynthetic organisms. Many studies focused on the physiologic response to changes in light availability of species from the Zygnematophyceae, but the impact of the absence of light and the molecular acclimation process on the other side have been poorly understood. Here we present transcriptomic analyses of Cosmarium crenatum from a polar habitat exposed to darkness. The algae were cultured in dark for one week; cell number and quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) were monitored. Cell number was stable, but the Fv/Fm decreased in both groups, darkness-treated and control. Gene expression analysis revealed a strong repression of transcripts associated with photosynthesis, photorespiration and cell wall development. General carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were differentially regulated, but starch is shown to be the primary energy source in these conditions. Additionally, C. crenatum induced mRNA responsible for epigenetic modifications which may be a specific response to an adaption and acclimation to polar conditions. Our study sheds light on the molecular acclimation process to darkness and provides ecological implications for new perspectives in this specialized group of green algae.

A freshwater analog for the production of Epiphyton-like microfossils.

Calcified microbial microfossils-often interpreted as cyanobacteria-were important components of Precambrian and Paleozoic limestones, but their paucity in modern marine environments complicates our ability to make conclusive interpretations about their taxonomic affinity and geologic significance. Freshwater spring-associated limestones (e.g., travertine and tufa) serve as terrestrial analogs to investigate mineralization in and around aquatic biofilms on observable timescales. We document the diagenesis of calcite fabrics associated with the freshwater algae Oocardium stratum, an epiphytic colonial green algae (desmid) known for producing stalks of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and passively producing a bifurcating tubular calcite monocrystal. Bifurcating EPS stalks produced by Oocardium colonies can become calcified and preserved in ancient carbonate deposits. Calcified micritic EPS stalks have a filamentous morphology, show evidence of branching, and maintain uniformity in diameter thickness throughout the mm-scale colony, much like the enigmatic calcimicrobe Epiphyton. We provide a mechanism by which calcification associated with a colonial semispherical micro-organism produces microfossils that deceptively resemble filamentous forms. These findings have implications for the use of morphological traits when assigning taxonomic affinities to extinct microfossil groups and highlight the utility of calcifying freshwater modern environments to investigate microbial taphonomy.

Cosmarium bromelicola sp. nov. (Desmidiaceae, Zygnematophyceae), a new desmid species from Northeast Brazil.

Cosmarium bromelicola sp. nov. is a new desmid species described from samplings carried out in bromeliad tanks (phytotelmata) from an area of rocky outcrops at Serra da Jiboia, Bahia State, Northeast Brazil. Presence of subtrapeziform cells with a deep depression at the apical region and twisted X-shaped cell in side view are the diagnostic features for the species. Relationships with the morphologically closest taxa are discussed.

Ecological and biogeographical drivers of freshwater green algae biodiversity: from local communities to large-scale species pools of desmids.

Dispersal limitation, niche-based processes as well as historical legacies shape microbial biodiversity, but their respective influences remain unknown for many groups of microbes. We analysed metacommunity structure and functional trait variation in 148 communities of desmids, freshwater green algae, distributed throughout Europe. We delineated biogeographic modules for both taxa and sites using bipartite network analysis given that the taxa of a module co-occurred more often than expected by chance in sites of the same module. The network analysis distinguished two main acidic and neutral habitats, reflecting environmental filtering, and within each habitat separated species pools with distinct geographic locations, representing a plausible influence of historical biogeography. The geographic differentiation was consistent with a hypothesis of glacial refugia on Atlantic coast. Distance decay in community composition in addition to environmental influence further suggested a role of dispersal limitation. Next, we quantified the variation in cell volume and surface-to-volume of taxa within and among communities, to examine morphological and physiological adaptations of desmids in varying environments. Communities from continental climate contained larger desmids. Conversely, we found a functional convergence of smaller, fast-growing, desmids in oceanic regions. Overall, our findings suggest that niche-based processes, dispersal limitation, and historical legacy together drive the distribution and structure of desmid communities. Combining trait- and network-based analyses can resolve long-lasting questions in microbial ecology and biogeography, and could be successfully used in macrobial ecology too.

A New Parasitic Chytrid, Staurastromyces oculus (Rhizophydiales, Staurastromycetaceae fam. nov.), Infecting the Freshwater Desmid Staurastrum sp.

Chytrids are a diverse group of ubiquitous true zoosporic fungi. The recent molecular discovery of a large diversity of undescribed chytrids has raised awareness on their important, but so far understudied ecological role in aquatic ecosystems. In the pelagic zone, of both freshwater and marine ecosystems, many chytrid species have been morphologically described as parasites on almost all major groups of phytoplankton. However, the majority of these parasitic chytrids has rarely been isolated and lack DNA sequence data, resulting in a large proportion of "dark taxa" in databases. Here, we report on the isolation and in-depth morphological, molecular and host range characterization of a chytrid infecting the common freshwater desmid Staurastrum sp. We provide first insights on the metabolic activity of the different chytrid development stages by using the vital dye FUN®-1 (2-chloro-4-[2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-[benzo-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-methylidene]-1-phenylquinolinium iodide). Cross infection experiments suggest that this chytrid is an obligate parasite and specific for the genus Staurastrum sp. Phylogenetic analysis, based on ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and 28S rDNA sequences, placed it in the order Rhizophydiales. Based on the unique zoospore ultrastructure, combined with thallus morphology, and molecular phylogenetic placement, we describe this parasitic chytrid as a new genus and species Staurastromyces oculus, within a new family Staurastromycetaceae.

Lens-free spectral light-field fusion microscopy for contrast- and resolution-enhanced imaging of biological specimens.

A lens-free spectral light-field fusion microscopy (LSLFM) system is presented for enabling contrast- and resolution-enhanced imaging of biological specimens. LSLFM consists of a pulsed multispectral lens-free microscope for capturing interferometric light-field encodings at various wavelengths, and Bayesian-based fusion to reconstruct a fused object light-field from the encodings. By fusing unique object detail information captured at different wavelengths, LSLFM can achieve improved resolution, contrast, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) over a single-channel lens-free microscopy system. A five-channel LSLFM system was developed and quantitatively evaluated to validate the design. Experimental results demonstrated that the LSLFM system provided SNR improvements of 6-12 dB, as well as a six-fold improvement in the dispersion index (DI), over that achieved using a single-channel, resolution-enhancing lens-free deconvolution microscopy system or its multi-wavelength counterpart. Furthermore, the LSLFM system achieved an increase in numerical aperture (NA) of ∼16% over a single-channel resolution-enhancing lens-free deconvolution microscopy system at the highest resolution wavelength used in the study. Samples of Staurastrum paradoxum, a waterborne algae, and human corneal epithelial cells were imaged using the system to illustrate its potential for enhanced imaging of biological specimens.

Subcellular Sequestration and Impact of Heavy Metals on the Ultrastructure and Physiology of the Multicellular Freshwater Alga Desmidium swartzii.

Due to modern life with increasing traffic, industrial production and agricultural practices, high amounts of heavy metals enter ecosystems and pollute soil and water. As a result, metals can be accumulated in plants and particularly in algae inhabiting peat bogs of low pH and high air humidity. In the present study, we investigated the impact and intracellular targets of aluminum, copper, cadmium, chromium VI and zinc on the filamentous green alga Desmidium swartzii, which is an important biomass producer in acid peat bogs. By means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) it is shown that all metals examined are taken up into Desmidium readily, where they are sequestered in cell walls and/or intracellular compartments. They cause effects on cell ultrastructure to different degrees and additionally disturb photosynthetic activity and biomass production. Our study shows a clear correlation between toxicity of a metal and the ability of the algae to compartmentalize it intracellularly. Cadmium and chromium, which are not compartmentalized, exert the most toxic effects. In addition, this study shows that the filamentous alga Desmidium reacts more sensitively to aluminum and zinc when compared to its unicellular relative Micrasterias, indicating a severe threat to the ecosystem.

Tracking developmentally regulated post-synthetic processing of homogalacturonan and chitin using reciprocal oligosaccharide probes.

Polysaccharides are major components of extracellular matrices and are often extensively modified post-synthetically to suit local requirements and developmental programmes. However, our current understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics and functional significance of these modifications is limited by a lack of suitable molecular tools. Here, we report the development of a novel non-immunological approach for producing highly selective reciprocal oligosaccharide-based probes for chitosan (the product of chitin deacetylation) and for demethylesterified homogalacturonan. Specific reciprocal binding is mediated by the unique stereochemical arrangement of oppositely charged amino and carboxy groups. Conjugation of oligosaccharides to fluorophores or gold nanoparticles enables direct and rapid imaging of homogalacturonan and chitosan with unprecedented precision in diverse plant, fungal and animal systems. We demonstrated their potential for providing new biological insights by using them to study homogalacturonan processing during Arabidopsis thaliana root cap development and by analyzing sites of chitosan deposition in fungal cell walls and arthropod exoskeletons.

Morphological variation in Staurastrum rotula (Zygnemaphyceae, Desmidiales) in the deepest natural Brazilian lake: essence or accident?

For many decades, polymorphism and its consequences have only been studied from the taxonomic point of view. Presently, interest has switched to the environmental causes of morphological variation and its consequences in the form and essence of the species. This study aimed at evaluating desmids morphological modifications of Staurastrum rotula Nordstedt during inter-annual succession patterns in two warm monomitic tropical lakes: Dom Helvécio (19°45'- 19°48'45″S, 42°33'45″W) and Carioca (19°45'20″S, 42°37'12″W). The effect of thermal stability and light and nutrients availability was based on samples collected monthly from January 2002 to December 2006 compared the morphological modifications. Results indicated that morphological variation, asexual reproduction, theratological forms, mucilaginous envelope and fungal infection were highest in Lake Dom Helvécio and coincided with the biomass increase of species with complex morphology between September and March (stratification period). The Zmix oscillation, wind and rainfall occurring at the end of the mixing period and beginning of the stratification were suggested as autochthonous and allochthonous disturbance agents, respectively, identified as inducers of asexual reproduction and consequently of the morphological variation. It was suggested that incidence of parasitism may act as a potential controlling agent for the Staurastrum rotula population size. It was concluded that morphological variation represents accidents in the original form, i.e. in the desmid species essence, promoting the existence of ecoforms, not of new infraspecific taxa.

Morphological variation in Staurastrum rotula (Zygnemaphyceae, Desmidiales) in the deepest natural Brazilian lake: essence or accident? / Variação morfológica em Staurastrum rotula (Zygnemaphyceae, Desmidiales) em um lago natural profundo do Brasil: essência ou acidente?

For many decades, polymorphism and its consequences have only been studied from the taxonomic point of view. Presently, interest has switched to the environmental causes of morphological variation and its consequences in the form and essence of the species. This study aimed at evaluating desmids morphological modifications of Staurastrum rotula Nordstedt during inter-annual succession patterns in two warm monomitic tropical lakes: Dom Helvécio (19°45′- 19°48′45″S, 42°33′45″W) and Carioca (19°45′20″S, 42°37′12″W). The effect of thermal stability and light and nutrients availability was based on samples collected monthly from January 2002 to December 2006 compared the morphological modifications. Results indicated that morphological variation, asexual reproduction, theratological forms, mucilaginous envelope and fungal infection were highest in Lake Dom Helvécio and coincided with the biomass increase of species with complex morphology between September and March (stratification period). The Zmix oscillation, wind and rainfall occurring at the end of the mixing period and beginning of the stratification were suggested as autochthonous and allochthonous disturbance agents, respectively, identified as inducers of asexual reproduction and consequently of the morphological variation. It was suggested that incidence of parasitism may act as a potential controlling agent for the Staurastrum rotula population size. It was concluded that morphological variation represents accidents in the original form, i.e. in the desmid species essence, promoting the existence of ecoforms, not of new infraspecific taxa.

Por muitas décadas, o polimorfismo e suas conseqüências foram estudados apenas do ponto de vista taxonômico. Atualmente, o interesse se volta para as causas ambientais das variações morfológicas e suas consequencias na forma e essência da espécie. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as modificações morfológicas de Staurastrum rotula Nordstedt durante padrões inter-anuais de sucessão em dois lagos tropicais monomíticos-quentes: Dom Helvécio (19°45′-19°48′45″S, 42°33′45″W) e Carioca (19°45′20°″S, 42°37′12″W). O efeito da estabilidade térmica e potenciais distúrbios sobre as modificações morfológicas foi baseado em amostras coletadas mensalmente de janeiro de 2002 a dezembro de 2006. Os resultados indicaram que a variação morfológica, a reprodução assexuada, as formas teratológicas, envelope mucilaginoso e infecção fúngica foram maiores no Lago Dom Helvécio e coincidiu com o aumento da biomassa de espécies com morfologia complexa entre setembro e março (período de estratificação). A oscilação Zmix, vento e chuva ocorrentes entre o final do período de mistura e início da estratificação foram sugeridos como agentes perturbadores autóctones e alóctones, respectivamente, identificados como indutores de reprodução assexuada e, consequentemente, de variação morfológica. Foi sugerido que a incidência de parasitismo atua no controle do tamanho da população Staurastrum rotula. A variação morfológica, portanto, representa acidentes na forma original, ou seja, na essência das desmídias, promovendo a existência de ecoformas, não de novos táxons infraespecíficos.

The cortical cytoskeletal network and cell-wall dynamics in the unicellular charophycean green alga Penium margaritaceum.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Penium margaritaceum is a unicellular charophycean green alga with a unique bi-directional polar expansion mechanism that occurs at the central isthmus zone prior to cell division. This entails the focused deposition of cell-wall polymers coordinated by the activities of components of the endomembrane system and cytoskeletal networks. The goal of this study was to elucidate the structural organization of the cortical cytoskeletal network during the cell cycle and identify its specific functional roles during key cell-wall developmental events: pre-division expansion and cell division. METHODS: Microtubules and actin filaments were labelled during various cell cycle phases with an anti-tubulin antibody and rhodamine phalloidin, respectively. Chemically induced disruption of the cytoskeleton was used to elucidate specific functional roles of microtubules and actin during cell expansion and division. Correlation of cytoskeletal dynamics with cell-wall development included live cell labelling with wall polymer-specific antibodies and electron microscopy. KEY RESULTS: The cortical cytoplasm of Penium is highlighted by a band of microtubules found at the cell isthmus, i.e. the site of pre-division wall expansion. This band, along with an associated, transient band of actin filaments, probably acts to direct the deposition of new wall material and to mark the plane of the future cell division. Two additional bands of microtubules, which we identify as satellite bands, arise from the isthmus microtubular band at the onset of expansion and displace toward the poles during expansion, ultimately marking the isthmus of future daughter cells. Treatment with microtubule and actin perturbation agents reversibly stops cell division. CONCLUSIONS: The cortical cytoplasm of Penium contains distinct bands of microtubules and actin filaments that persist through the cell cycle. One of these bands, termed the isthmus microtubule band, or IMB, marks the site of both pre-division wall expansion and the zone where a cross wall will form during cytokinesis. This suggests that prior to the evolution of land plants, a dynamic, cortical cytoskeletal array similar to a pre-prophase band had evolved in the charophytes. However, an interesting variation on the cortical band theme is present in Penium, where two satellite microtubule bands are produced at the onset of cell expansion, each of which is destined to become an IMB in the two daughter cells after cytokinesis. These unique cytoskeletal components demonstrate the close temporal control and highly coordinated cytoskeletal dynamics of cellular development in Penium.

Stable transformation and reverse genetic analysis of Penium margaritaceum: a platform for studies of charophyte green algae, the immediate ancestors of land plants.

The charophyte green algae (CGA, Streptophyta, Viridiplantae) occupy a key phylogenetic position as the immediate ancestors of land plants but, paradoxically, are less well-studied than the other major plant lineages. This is particularly true in the context of functional genomic studies, where the lack of an efficient protocol for their stable genetic transformation has been a major obstacle. Observations of extant CGA species suggest the existence of some of the evolutionary adaptations that had to occur for land colonization; however, to date, there has been no robust experimental platform to address this genetically. We present a protocol for high-throughput Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of Penium margaritaceum, a unicellular CGA species. The versatility of Penium as a model for studying various aspects of plant cell biology and development was illustrated through non-invasive visualization of protein localization and dynamics in living cells. In addition, the utility of RNA interference (RNAi) for reverse genetic studies was demonstrated by targeting genes associated with cell wall modification (pectin methylesterase) and biosynthesis (cellulose synthase). This provided evidence supporting current models of cell wall assembly and inter-polymer interactions that were based on studies of land plants, but in this case using direct observation in vivo. This new functional genomics platform has broad potential applications, including studies of plant organismal biology and the evolutionary innovations required for transition from aquatic to terrestrial habitats.

Xanthophyll cycle pool size and composition in several Cosmarium strains (Zygnematophyceae, Streptophyta) are related to their geographic distribution patterns.

The photosynthetic behaviour and composition of photosynthetic pigments of four Cosmarium strains collected from different geographic areas were examined under moderate and photoinhibitory white light by means of PAM fluorometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. Generally, all of the Cosmarium strains displayed the photosynthetic performance and the composition of xanthophyll cycle pigments corresponding to that of high-light adapted plants and algae, when grown under the standard laboratory conditions. However, photoinhibitory treatments provoked several strain- and species-specific characteristics despite the long-term cultivation in laboratory conditions. The typical arctic taxon, C. crenatum var. boldtianum, displayed an incomplete violaxanthin cycle yielding an accumulation of antheraxanthin during high light stress, which is considered as an adaptation to occasional high irradiances in the polar zone due to the albedo. So far, the violaxanthin/antheraxanthin turnover was known only in some prasinophycean algae. Antheraxanthin actively participated in the heat dissipation from PSII centres in C. crenatum, as concluded from a significant positive correlation between non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and the quantity of antheraxanthin. In contrast, all the other Cosmarium strains displayed a complete violaxanthin de-epoxidase action during the high light treatments, as judged from the relatively high production of zeaxanthin which participated in thermal dissipation of excess energy.

Levantamento taxonômico de desmídias (Chlorophyta) do lago Novo (Amapá, Brasil): gêneros Staurastrum, Staurodesmus e Xanthidium / Desmids (Chlorophyta) from lake Novo (Amapá, Brazil): genera Staurastrum, Staurodesmus e Xanthidium

Neste estudo são descritas e ilustradas as espécies de três gêneros de desmídias (Staurastrum, Staurodesmus e Xanthidium) do lago Novo, um ambiente localizado na região dos lagos, na planície costeira do Estado do Amapá. Um total de 35 táxons foi registrado, sendo 23 do gênero Staurastrum, sete do gênero Staurodesmus e cinco do gênero Xanthidium. Todos os táxons apresentados neste trabalho constituem primeira citação para o estado do Amapá.(AU)

This study describes and sketches the species of three desmids genus (Staurastrum, Staurodesmus and Xanthidium) from Lake Novo, located in the coastal plain lake region of Amapá State. In total, 35 taxa were registered, being 23 of Staurastrum, seven of Staurodesmus and five of Xanthidium genus. These results are the first documented taxa registered in the Amapá State.

Desmídias filamentosas (Conjugatophyceae) de um lago de inundação de águas pretas na Amazônia Central / Filamentous desmids (Conjugatophyceae) from a floodpulse black water lake in Central Amazon

Com base em 109 amostras coletadas em diferentes fases do ciclo hidrológico nos anos de 2002 a 2004 no lago Cutiuaú, um ambiente de águas pretas localizado no Parque Nacional do Jaú na bacia do rio Negro, foi realizado um levantamento taxonômico das espécies de desmídias filamentosas. Foram identificadas 15 espécies distribuídas em sete gêneros, sendo Desmidium C. Agardh ex Ralfs, com sete espécies, o gênero que apresentou a maior riqueza específica, incluindo D. quadratum citado pela primeira vez para o estado do Amazonas. O gênero Groenbladia Teiling apresentou três espécies, enquanto os gêneros Bambusina Kützing ex Kützing, Hyalotheca Ehrenberg ex Ralfs, Phymatodocis Nordstedt, Spondylosium Brébisson ex Kützing e Teilingia Bourrelly, apresentaram uma única espécie. Em relação aos períodos do ciclo hidrológico, três táxons foram registrados no período de águas baixas, seis no de vazante, oito no de águas altas e 15, ou seja, todos foram observados no período de enchente.

A taxonomic survey regarding the filamentous desmids species was carried out made based on 109 samples collected in different phases of the hydrological cycle between the years of 2002 and 2004 in Cutiuaú lake, an black water system located in Jau National Park in the Negro river basin. A total of 15 filamentous desmids species distributed in seven genera were identified. Desmidium C. Agardh ex Ralfs, with seven species, was the genera with more species richness, being D. quadratum mentioned for first time in Amazonas State. Three Groenbladia Teiling species and one of Bambusina Kützing ex Kützing, Hyalotheca Ehrenberg ex Ralfs, Phymatodocis Nordstedt, Spondylosium Brébisson ex Kützing and Teilingia Bourrelly were registered. In relation to hydrological cycle, three taxa were registered in the low water period, six in the decreasing water period, eight in the high water period and 15, all of identified taxa, in the increasing water period.

Gêneros Euastrum Ehrenberg ex Ralfs e Micrasterias C. Agardh (Conjugatophyceae-Desmidiaceae) de dois ambientes amazônicos de águas pretas (Manaus, Amazonas-Brasil) / Genera Euastrum Ehrenberg ex Ralfs and Micrasterias C. Agardh (Conjugatophyceae-Desmidiaceae) from two Amazon black water environments (Manaus, Amazonas-Brazil)

Foi realizado um inventário das espécies dos gêneros Euastrum Ehrenberg ex Ralfs e Micrasterias C.Agardh de dois ambientes de águas pretas do município de Manaus, um lago de inundação (lago Tupé), e o rio Negro. As coletas foram realizadas com rede de plâncton em quatro estações no lago e uma no rio Negro, situada próxima ao lago. Um total de 93 amostras foi analisado, coletadas em escala mensal no período de março de 2002 a outubro de 2003. As espécies foram descritas e ilustradas com base na sua morfologia e morfometria. Um total de 12 espécies foi identificado, sendo cinco do gênero Euastrum (E. evolutum var. perornatum; E. gemmatum var. monocyclum; E. ornans; E. sinuosum e E. spinulosum), e sete do gênero Micrasterias (M. borgei; M. radiata var. brasiliensis; M. torreyi; M. laticeps var. acuminata; M. mahabuleshwarensis var. amazonensis; M. rotata var. rotata; M. siolii). Todas as espécies, exceto M. radiata Hassal var. brasiliensis Grönblad, foram registradas no rio Negro, enquanto no lago Tupé foi registrado, no geral, apenas sete espécies, três de Euastrum e quatro de Micrasterias.

An investigation of genera Euastrum Ehrenberg ex Ralfs and Micrasterias C.Agardh from an Amazon floodplain lake of the Negro river Basin was undertaken. The samples were collected using a plankton net in four stations on the Tupe Lake and one station near a lake on the Negro river. The species were identified and described on the basis of morphological and morphometrical characteristics. A total of 12 species were identified, five species of Euastrum genus (E. evolutum var. perornatum; E. gemmatum var. monocyclum; E. ornans; E. sinuosum; E. spinulosum), and seven of Micrasterias genus (M. borgei; M. radiata var. brasiliensis; M. torreyi; M. laticeps var. acuminata; M. mahabuleshwarensis var. amazonensis; M. rotata var. rotata; M. siolii). All species, except M. radiata Hassal var. brasiliensis Grönblad, were found in the Negro river; on the other hand, only seven species were found in the Tupé lake, three of Euastrum and four of Micrasterias.