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Papers by Adam Latala

Research paper thumbnail of The Effects of Harmful Algal Blooms (Habs) on Tourism and Recreation in the East Part of The Polish Baltic Sea Coast

Zeszyty Naukowe Uniwersytetu Szczecińskiego. Ekonomiczne Problemy Turystyki, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Allelopathic Effects of Cyanobacterial Filtrates on Baltic Diatom

Contemporary Trends in Geoscience, 2012

Allelopathy may be one of the factors affecting the formation of massive and harmful algal blooms... more Allelopathy may be one of the factors affecting the formation of massive and harmful algal blooms in aquatic environments. Recent studies indicate that blooms of cyanobacteria in the Baltic Sea has grown significantly in last decades, so it is important to determine the allelopathic interactions between the dominant species of cyanobacteria and microalgae. In this work we investigated the influence of allelopathic compounds on the growth of Skeletonema marinoi by addition of cell-free filtrate of the Baltic cyanobacterium Nodularia spumigena cultures grown under different temperature (15-25ºC). Additionally the effects of filtrates of both an exponential and a stationary growing culture of N. spumigena were tested on diatom. These studies indicate that high temperature affected the donor species by increasing its production of allelochemicals. The highest drop of growth of analyzed diatom were observed after the addition of cell-free filtrate obtained from N. spumigena grown at 25ºC and constituted 70% of their control. N. spumigena was only allelopathic in exponential growth phase, whereas the cyanobacteria filtrate from stationary phase have any effect on S. marinoi. These findings suggest that N. spumigena may reveal allelopathic activity and that the production of allelopathic substances is influenced by the temperature and growth phase of cyanobacteria.

Research paper thumbnail of Ecophysiological characteristics of red, green, and brown strains of the Baltic picocyanobacterium <i>Synechococcus</i> sp. – a laboratory study

Biogeosciences, Oct 26, 2018

The contribution of picocyanobacteria (PCY) to summer phytoplankton blooms, accompanied by an eco... more The contribution of picocyanobacteria (PCY) to summer phytoplankton blooms, accompanied by an ecological crisis is a new phenomenon in Europe. This issue requires careful investigation. The present study examined the response of Synechococcus sp. physiology to different environmental conditions. Three strains of Synechococcus sp. (red BA-120, green BA-124, and brown BA-132) were cultivated in a laboratory under previously determined environmental conditions. These conditions were as follows: temperature (T) from 10 by 5 to 25 • C, salinity from 3 by 5 to 18 PSU, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) from 10 by 90 to 280 µmol photons m −2 s −1 , which gave 64 combinations of synthetic, though realistic, environmental scenarios. Scenarios reflecting all possible combinations were applied in the laboratory experiments. Results pointed to differences in final numbers of cells among strains. However, there was also a similar tendency for BA-124 and BA-132, which demonstrated the highest concentrations of PCY cells at elevated T and PAR. This was also the case for BA-120 but only to a certain degree as the number of cells started to decrease above 190 µmol photons m −2 s −1 PAR. Pigmentation, chlorophyll a (Chl a), fluorescence, and rate of photosynthesis presented both similarities and differences among strains. In this context, more consistent features were observed between brown and red strains when compared to the green. In this paper, the ecophysiological responses of PCY are defined.

Research paper thumbnail of Macroalgal Defense against Competitors and Herbivores

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021

Macroalgae are the source of many harmful allelopathic compounds, which are synthesized as a defe... more Macroalgae are the source of many harmful allelopathic compounds, which are synthesized as a defense strategy against competitors and herbivores. Therefore, it can be predicted that certain species reduce aquaculture performance. Herein, the allelopathic ability of 123 different taxa of green, red, and brown algae have been summarized based on literature reports. Research on macroalgae and their allelopathic effects on other animal organisms was conducted primarily in Australia, Mexico, and the United States. Nevertheless, there are also several scientific reports in this field from South America and Asia; the study areas in the latter continents coincide with areas where aquaculture is highly developed and widely practiced. Therefore, the allelopathic activity of macroalgae on coexisting animals is an issue that is worth careful investigation. In this work, we characterize the distribution of allelopathic macroalgae and compare them with aquaculture locations, describe the methods ...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of glyphosate (Roundup® formulation) on microphytobenthic communities of the Gulf of Gdańsk - new report

The experiments testing the toxicity of glyphosate Roundup® formulation were conducted on the nat... more The experiments testing the toxicity of glyphosate Roundup® formulation were conducted on the natural microphytobenthic communities collected from the Gulf of Gdansk. The toxic effect of glyphosate was assessed by changes in the biomass of microphytobenthos cells [mm · ml], chlorophyll a concentration and reduction of efficiency of photosystem II. Negative impact of glyphosate on microphytobenthic communities, both at the cellular and population scale, was determined. Hence it can be concluded that certain concentrations of the herbicide Roundup (glyphosate – active substance), in the marine environment may adversely impact natural microphytobenthic communities, and in consequence also other elements of the ecosystem.

Research paper thumbnail of Wpływ glifosatu w postaci preparatu roundup® na zbiorowiska mikro-fitobentosu Zatoki Gdańskiej - nowe doniesienia

The experiments testing the toxicity of glyphosate Roundup® formulation were conducted on the nat... more The experiments testing the toxicity of glyphosate Roundup® formulation were conducted on the natural microphytobenthic communities collected from the Gulf of Gdansk. The toxic effect of glyphosate was assessed by changes in the biomass of microphytobenthos cells [mm 3 • ml-1 ], chlorophyll a concentration and reduction of efficiency of photosystem II. Negative impact of glyphosate on microphytobenthic communities, both at the cellular and population scale, was determined. Hence it can be concluded that certain concentrations of the herbicide Roundup (glyphosate-active substance), in the marine environment may adversely impact natural microphytobenthic communities, and in consequence also other elements of the ecosystem.

Research paper thumbnail of Allelopathic effect of the Baltic picocyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. on selected diatoms

Annales Universitatis Paedagogicae Cracoviensis Studia Naturae, 2017

It is commonly believed that the structure of phytoplankton and the formation of cyanobacterial a... more It is commonly believed that the structure of phytoplankton and the formation of cyanobacterial and algal blooms may be explained by allelopathic interactions. The main aim of this study was to investigate the allelopathic effect of picocyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. on the following growth and fluorescence parameters: the maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), and the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII) of selected diatoms – Nitzschia fonticola, Fistulifera saprophila, Navicula perminuta and Amphora coffeaeformis. In this study, it was demonstrated that picocyanobacterium caused allelopathic effects against Baltic diatoms. The results showed that the addition of cell-free filtrate from Synechococcus sp. increased the number of cells of N. fonticola and F. saprophila. Moreover, it was found that picocyanobacterium was stimulated fluorescence parameters of N. fonticola, F. saprophila, and N. perminuta. On the other hand, it was noted that filtrate ...

Research paper thumbnail of Long- and short-term photoacclimation in epipsammon from non-tidal coastal shallows compared to epipelon from intertidal mudflat

Journal of Sea Research, 2018

Long-and short-term photoacclimation and their interaction were determined in two types of microp... more Long-and short-term photoacclimation and their interaction were determined in two types of microphytobenthos assemblages, i.e. epipelon from an intertidal mudflat and epipsammon from non-tidal sandy coastal shallows collected during summer and autumn months. Microphytobenthos photophysiology was assessed from steady-state light curve (SSLC) and rapid light-response curves (RLC) of variable chlorophyll fluorescence. The epipelon was low light acclimated, whereas in the epipsammon high light acclimation was observed. The epipelon turned out to be more susceptible to high light and in autumn a clear down turn in the relative electron transport rates was recorded. Long-term photoacclimation strongly affected both microphytobenthos types' short-term light responses. The epipelon acclimated to high ambient light intensities through the decreased light absorption and energy dissipation. The epipsammon, on the other hand, developed physiological flexibility allowing efficient use of the absorbed light and thus providing protection against higher irradiance.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of the Allelochemical Activity and Biochemical Profile of Different Phenotypes of Picocyanobacteria from the Genus Synechococcus

Marine Drugs, 2020

Organisms belonging to Synechococcus sp. genera are observed in all freshwater, brackish, and mar... more Organisms belonging to Synechococcus sp. genera are observed in all freshwater, brackish, and marine waters of the world. They play a relevant role in these ecosystems, since they are one of the main primary producers, especially in open ocean. Eventually, they form mass blooms in coastal areas, which are potentially dangerous for the functioning of marine ecosystems. Allelopathy could be an important factor promoting the proliferation of these organisms. According to the authors’ best knowledge, there is no information on the allelopathic activity and allelopathic compounds exhibited by different Synechococcus sp. phenotypes. Therefore, the research conducted here aimed to study the bioactivity of compounds produced by three phenotypes of Synechococcus sp. by studying their influence on the growth, chlorophyll fluorescence, and photosynthetic pigments of eighteen cyanobacteria and microalgae species. We demonstrated that three different Synechococcus sp. phenotypes, including a phy...

Research paper thumbnail of Growth phase-dependent biochemical composition of green microalgae: Theoretical considerations for biogas production

Bioresource Technology, 2020

One of the most efficient and promising technique for biofuel production from microalgae biomass ... more One of the most efficient and promising technique for biofuel production from microalgae biomass is an anaerobic fermentation. The goal of this work was to investigate changes in the biochemical composition during the long-term cultivation period of 15 green microalgal strains originating from the Baltic Sea. Subsequently, their theoretical methane potential (TMP), which is strictly determined by an algal growth phase and thus physiological state, was established. Based on the full spectrum of changes in the percentage share of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins in biomass, it was shown that the TMP values differed among strains as well as fluctuated during cultivation. The common trend, i.e., lipids accumulation and proteins breakdown in the late growth phase, was observed for most of the strains; others, however, preferred carbohydrates as storage material. The TMP data obtained herein allows developing a strategy for the design and production of algal biomass biochemically suited for fermentation.

Research paper thumbnail of Kody Kreskowe Dna – Możliwości I Zastosowanie

Kosmos, 2020

Barkoding DNA jest techniką, której celem jest ułatwienie identyfikacji wszystkich organizmów wys... more Barkoding DNA jest techniką, której celem jest ułatwienie identyfikacji wszystkich organizmów występujących w przyrodzie. Wykorzystuje ona krótką sekwencję nukleotydów charakterystyczną dla danego organizmu jako jego znacznik i umożliwia określenie gatunku bądź rodzaju badanego organizmu, jego postaci larwalnej, czy materiału kopalnego. Kodowanie kreskowe DNA stało się techniką molekularną wspierającą tradycyjne podejście do taksonomii, a także ze względu na łatwość stosowania, wiarygodność uzyskanych wyników posiada liczne zastosowania w różnych dziedzinach, które wydają się ważne i ułatwiają pracę czy życie ludzi. W artykule opisano możliwości i zalety wykorzystania techniki kodowania DNA w dziedzinach takich jak: nauka, przemysł, epidemiologia, entomologia sądowa, gdzie szybka analiza taksonomiczna jest niezwykle ważna. Technika ta posiada liczne możliwości zastosowania a wraz z rozwojem przemysłu i nauki stosowanie takich systemów diagnostyki taksonomicznej zyska większą popular...

Research paper thumbnail of Allelopathic activity of the three strains of Baltic picocyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. on selected algae and cyanobacteria

Acta Universitatis Matthiae Belii series Environmental Management, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Characteristics of the growth rate and lipid production in fourteen strains of Baltic green microalgae

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies, 2018

Screening of fourteen Baltic green algal strains provided basic data on their mass culture potent... more Screening of fourteen Baltic green algal strains provided basic data on their mass culture potential for the purpose of valuable biomass production with particular emphasis on lipid content. Selected microalgae were grown under non-stressed conditions in order to identify those characterized by efficient lipid production. The tested strains exhibited significant differences in growth patterns and lipid yields. Strains belonging to Chlorella and Stichococcus genera exhibited the highest growth rates, ranging from 0.39 d-1 to 0.50 d-1 and thus the highest final cell density (> 107 cells ml-1). Furthermore, five strains: C. minutissima BA-12, C. fusca BA-18, C. vulgaris BA-80, Monoraphidium sp. BA-165 and Chlorella sp. BA-167 were characterized by distinctively high lipid yield (> 60 mg l-1). The same strains, together with C. vulgaris BA-02, were also shown as those with the highest volumetric lipid productivity, reaching > 30 mg l-1 d-1. The tested Baltic strains performed w...

Research paper thumbnail of Environmental drivers of bloom-forming cyanobacteria in the Baltic Sea: Effects of salinity, temperature, and irradiance

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2019

Environmental changes, including hydrological modifications caused by global warming, are one of ... more Environmental changes, including hydrological modifications caused by global warming, are one of the major drivers of harmful cyanobacterial bloom expansion. The ecophysiological study of bloom-forming filamentous cyanobacteria Nodularia spumingena, Aphanizomenon sp. and Dolichospermum lemmermannii was conducted in a series of laboratory tests. Cyanobacterial cultures were grown at various combinations of environmental conditions (scenarios). These scenarios were combinations of irradiance in the sense of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) spectrum (10, 100, 190 and 280 μmol photons m −2 s −1), temperature (15, 20 and 25°C) and salinity (3, 8 and 13). The cell concentration, pigment content and photosynthetic performance of cyanobacteria were measured to analyze the environmental stress. Generally, a positive effect of high irradiance and temperature on the abundance of these organisms as well as a preference to low salinity were observed. Pigment concentration (chlorophyll a (Chl a), carotenoids (Car) and Car/Chl a ratio), Chl a fluorescence and photosynthetic irradiance response (P-E) curves were used to characterize photoacclimation capacity of the cyanobacterial strains. The highest Car/Chl a ratio was observed at a high irradiance (190-280 μmol photons m −2 s −1) and the lowest at 10 μmol photons m −2 s −1 and 25°C. Chl a fluorescence of cyanobacterial strains indicated that the highest irradiance (280 μmol photons m −2 s −1) and the highest temperature (25°C) had a negative effect on both the maximum quantum yield (F v /F m) and the effective quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry (ΦPSII). This effect was more pronounced in the case of ΦPSII than F v /F m. Based on photosynthesis irradiance response (P-E) curves, two mechanisms of photoacclimation were recognized. The maximum value of the photosynthetic capacity (P m) expressed per unit biomass for cells grown at 10 μmol photons m −2 s −1 indicated a change in the number of Photosynthetic Units (PSU). The constant values of the initial slope of the P-E curve (α) and the maximum value of P m expressed per Chl a unit at 280 μmol photons m −2 s −1 indicated another mechanism, a change in PSU size. The study showed a wide range of filamentous cyanobacteria responses to the changing environment. This may explain the successful growth of freshwater and brackish filamentous cyanobacteria in the Baltic Sea and suggests further expansion with progressing climate change.

Research paper thumbnail of Czynniki warunkujące zjawisko allelopatii u sinic i mikroglonów w ekosystemach wodnych

Kosmos, 2018

Allelopatia w środowisku wodnym może być narzędziem walki o zasoby pomiędzy organizmami wodnymi. ... more Allelopatia w środowisku wodnym może być narzędziem walki o zasoby pomiędzy organizmami wodnymi. Badania terenowe i prace laboratoryjne wykazały, że allelopatia może występować zarówno w ekosystemach morskich, brakicznych, jak i słodkowodnych. Związki allelopatyczne mogą negatywnie oddziaływać zarówno na wodnych producentów pierwotnych, jak i na skorupiaki, małże, ryby, ssaki, a nawet organizm człowieka. Jednakże stosunkowo niewiele czynników środowiskowych było dokładnie badanych pod kątem ich wpływu na produkcję związków allelopatycznych, dlatego rozpoznanie takie jest niedostateczne. Obecnie występują nieliczne prace, w których udokumentowano wpływ czynników biotycznych lub abiotycznych na występowanie oddziaływania allelopatycznego. Do najczęściej opisywanych czynników biotycznych, wpływających na oddziaływanie allelopatyczne, zalicza się samą specyfikę badanych organizmów, ich rozmiar, zagęszczenie początkowe komórek, fazę wzrostu organizmów donorowych i docelowych oraz ilość i...

Research paper thumbnail of Changes in Growth, Photosynthesis Performance, Pigments, and Toxin Contents of Bloom-Forming Cyanobacteria after Exposure to Macroalgal Allelochemicals

Toxins, 2021

Macroalgae can directly restrict the growth of various phytoplankton species by releasing allelop... more Macroalgae can directly restrict the growth of various phytoplankton species by releasing allelopathic compounds; therefore, considerable attention should be paid to the allelopathic potential of these organisms against harmful and bloom-forming cyanobacteria. The main aim of this study was to demonstrate for the first time the allelopathic activity of Ulva intestinalis on the growth, the fluorescence parameters: the maximum PSII quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm) and the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII), the chlorophyll a (Chl a) and carotenoid (Car) content, and the microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and phenol content of three bloom-forming cyanobacteria, Aphanizomenon sp., Nodularia spumigena, and Nostoc sp. We found both negative and positive allelopathic effects of U. intestinalis on tested cyanobacteria. The study clearly showed that the addition of the filtrate of U. intestinalis significantly inhibited growth, decreased pigment content and Fv/Fm and ΦPSII values of N. spu...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of the microphytobenthos photosynthesis on seabed backscattering properties

The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2018

The development of hydroacoustic techniques for benthic habitat classification requires understan... more The development of hydroacoustic techniques for benthic habitat classification requires understanding of biological effects on seabed geoacoustic properties. The study addresses only one biological process that could potentially change the properties—photosynthesis of benthic microalgae. The previous investigations demonstrated that the impact could be important in warm southern marine waters of relatively high salinity. This motivated us to study the effect of the microphytobenthos photosynthesis on the backscattering properties of the sandy sediments of the southern Baltic Sea, an area of lower temperature and salinity. The five multiday laboratory experiments, different in hydrophysical or biological conditions, were conducted. The backscatter data were acquired in the small tank with sandy bottom under controlled constant temperature and salinity with simulated “day” and “night” conditions (light/dark (L/D) photocycles). Oxygen content in the water column as well as biological and biooptical parameters were additionally monitored. The diel variations of the backscattered signal energy were analyzed. The study demonstrated the impact of microphytobenthos photosynthesis on the backscattering properties of the marine sediment and its sensitivity to the abiotic (illumination level) and biotic (benthic microalgal biomass and macrozoobenthos bioturbation) factors.The development of hydroacoustic techniques for benthic habitat classification requires understanding of biological effects on seabed geoacoustic properties. The study addresses only one biological process that could potentially change the properties—photosynthesis of benthic microalgae. The previous investigations demonstrated that the impact could be important in warm southern marine waters of relatively high salinity. This motivated us to study the effect of the microphytobenthos photosynthesis on the backscattering properties of the sandy sediments of the southern Baltic Sea, an area of lower temperature and salinity. The five multiday laboratory experiments, different in hydrophysical or biological conditions, were conducted. The backscatter data were acquired in the small tank with sandy bottom under controlled constant temperature and salinity with simulated “day” and “night” conditions (light/dark (L/D) photocycles). Oxygen content in the water column as well as biological and biooptical parameter...

Research paper thumbnail of Wpływ oddziaływania allelopatycznego sinic Synechococcus sp. oraz Nodularia spumigena na pobieranie pokarmu i przeżycie bałtyckich lasonogów Neomysis integer

Sinice są grupą organizmów często powodującą zakwity (Castenhoz, 2001). Ich masowe występowanie n... more Sinice są grupą organizmów często powodującą zakwity (Castenhoz, 2001). Ich masowe występowanie notowane jest w Bałtyku już od XIX wieku, lecz w ostatnich latach znacząco się nasiliło. Prace paleoekologiczne wykazały, że zakwity sinic pojawiły się w Morzu Bałtyckim już na początku fazy Litorynowej. Oddziaływania allelopatyczne mogą być jednym z czynników powodujących tworzenie się masowych zakwitów sinic (Suikkanen i in., 2004), które silnie oddziaływają na ekosystem wodny i mogą powodować poważne problemy zarówno ekologiczne, jak i ekonomiczne. Wcześniejsze badania wykazały, że niektóre gatunki fitoplanktonu mają zdolność do produkowania wtórnych metabolitów, które wpływają na preferencje pokarmowe, mobilność i śmiertelność ich potencjalnych drapieżników (Granéli i Johansson, 2003). Lasonogi są organizmami wszystkożernymi i stanowią znaczącą frakcję planktonożerców w Morzu Bałtyckim (Engström i in., 2001), jednakże efekt szkodliwego oddziaływania mikroglonów i sinic na ich tempo po...

Research paper thumbnail of Wpływ oddziaływania allelopatycznego bałtyckich sinic na przeżywalność lasonogów pospolitych Neomysis integer

Oddziaływania allelopatyczne mogą być jednym z czynników powodujących tworzenie się masowych zakw... more Oddziaływania allelopatyczne mogą być jednym z czynników powodujących tworzenie się masowych zakwitów sinic (Suikkanen i in., 2004), które silnie oddziaływają na ekosystem wodny i mogą powodować poważne problemy zarówno ekologiczne, jak i ekonomiczne. Wcześniejsze badania wykazały, że niektóre gatunki fitoplanktonu mają zdolność do produkowania wtórnych metabolitów, które wpływają na preferencje pokarmowe, mobilność i śmiertelność ich potencjalnych drapieżników (Granéli i Johansson, 2003). Lasonogi są organizmami wszystkożernymi i stanowią najważniejszą frakcję planktonożerców w Morzu Bałtyckim (Engström i in., 2001), jednakże efekt szkodliwego oddziaływania mikroglonów i sinic na ich tempo pobierania pokarmu i przeżywalność nie jest wystarczająco poznany.

Research paper thumbnail of Chlorophyll a content in the surface layer of the Gulf of Gdansk in the AVHRR images

Research paper thumbnail of The Effects of Harmful Algal Blooms (Habs) on Tourism and Recreation in the East Part of The Polish Baltic Sea Coast

Zeszyty Naukowe Uniwersytetu Szczecińskiego. Ekonomiczne Problemy Turystyki, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Allelopathic Effects of Cyanobacterial Filtrates on Baltic Diatom

Contemporary Trends in Geoscience, 2012

Allelopathy may be one of the factors affecting the formation of massive and harmful algal blooms... more Allelopathy may be one of the factors affecting the formation of massive and harmful algal blooms in aquatic environments. Recent studies indicate that blooms of cyanobacteria in the Baltic Sea has grown significantly in last decades, so it is important to determine the allelopathic interactions between the dominant species of cyanobacteria and microalgae. In this work we investigated the influence of allelopathic compounds on the growth of Skeletonema marinoi by addition of cell-free filtrate of the Baltic cyanobacterium Nodularia spumigena cultures grown under different temperature (15-25ºC). Additionally the effects of filtrates of both an exponential and a stationary growing culture of N. spumigena were tested on diatom. These studies indicate that high temperature affected the donor species by increasing its production of allelochemicals. The highest drop of growth of analyzed diatom were observed after the addition of cell-free filtrate obtained from N. spumigena grown at 25ºC and constituted 70% of their control. N. spumigena was only allelopathic in exponential growth phase, whereas the cyanobacteria filtrate from stationary phase have any effect on S. marinoi. These findings suggest that N. spumigena may reveal allelopathic activity and that the production of allelopathic substances is influenced by the temperature and growth phase of cyanobacteria.

Research paper thumbnail of Ecophysiological characteristics of red, green, and brown strains of the Baltic picocyanobacterium <i>Synechococcus</i> sp. – a laboratory study

Biogeosciences, Oct 26, 2018

The contribution of picocyanobacteria (PCY) to summer phytoplankton blooms, accompanied by an eco... more The contribution of picocyanobacteria (PCY) to summer phytoplankton blooms, accompanied by an ecological crisis is a new phenomenon in Europe. This issue requires careful investigation. The present study examined the response of Synechococcus sp. physiology to different environmental conditions. Three strains of Synechococcus sp. (red BA-120, green BA-124, and brown BA-132) were cultivated in a laboratory under previously determined environmental conditions. These conditions were as follows: temperature (T) from 10 by 5 to 25 • C, salinity from 3 by 5 to 18 PSU, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) from 10 by 90 to 280 µmol photons m −2 s −1 , which gave 64 combinations of synthetic, though realistic, environmental scenarios. Scenarios reflecting all possible combinations were applied in the laboratory experiments. Results pointed to differences in final numbers of cells among strains. However, there was also a similar tendency for BA-124 and BA-132, which demonstrated the highest concentrations of PCY cells at elevated T and PAR. This was also the case for BA-120 but only to a certain degree as the number of cells started to decrease above 190 µmol photons m −2 s −1 PAR. Pigmentation, chlorophyll a (Chl a), fluorescence, and rate of photosynthesis presented both similarities and differences among strains. In this context, more consistent features were observed between brown and red strains when compared to the green. In this paper, the ecophysiological responses of PCY are defined.

Research paper thumbnail of Macroalgal Defense against Competitors and Herbivores

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021

Macroalgae are the source of many harmful allelopathic compounds, which are synthesized as a defe... more Macroalgae are the source of many harmful allelopathic compounds, which are synthesized as a defense strategy against competitors and herbivores. Therefore, it can be predicted that certain species reduce aquaculture performance. Herein, the allelopathic ability of 123 different taxa of green, red, and brown algae have been summarized based on literature reports. Research on macroalgae and their allelopathic effects on other animal organisms was conducted primarily in Australia, Mexico, and the United States. Nevertheless, there are also several scientific reports in this field from South America and Asia; the study areas in the latter continents coincide with areas where aquaculture is highly developed and widely practiced. Therefore, the allelopathic activity of macroalgae on coexisting animals is an issue that is worth careful investigation. In this work, we characterize the distribution of allelopathic macroalgae and compare them with aquaculture locations, describe the methods ...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of glyphosate (Roundup® formulation) on microphytobenthic communities of the Gulf of Gdańsk - new report

The experiments testing the toxicity of glyphosate Roundup® formulation were conducted on the nat... more The experiments testing the toxicity of glyphosate Roundup® formulation were conducted on the natural microphytobenthic communities collected from the Gulf of Gdansk. The toxic effect of glyphosate was assessed by changes in the biomass of microphytobenthos cells [mm · ml], chlorophyll a concentration and reduction of efficiency of photosystem II. Negative impact of glyphosate on microphytobenthic communities, both at the cellular and population scale, was determined. Hence it can be concluded that certain concentrations of the herbicide Roundup (glyphosate – active substance), in the marine environment may adversely impact natural microphytobenthic communities, and in consequence also other elements of the ecosystem.

Research paper thumbnail of Wpływ glifosatu w postaci preparatu roundup® na zbiorowiska mikro-fitobentosu Zatoki Gdańskiej - nowe doniesienia

The experiments testing the toxicity of glyphosate Roundup® formulation were conducted on the nat... more The experiments testing the toxicity of glyphosate Roundup® formulation were conducted on the natural microphytobenthic communities collected from the Gulf of Gdansk. The toxic effect of glyphosate was assessed by changes in the biomass of microphytobenthos cells [mm 3 • ml-1 ], chlorophyll a concentration and reduction of efficiency of photosystem II. Negative impact of glyphosate on microphytobenthic communities, both at the cellular and population scale, was determined. Hence it can be concluded that certain concentrations of the herbicide Roundup (glyphosate-active substance), in the marine environment may adversely impact natural microphytobenthic communities, and in consequence also other elements of the ecosystem.

Research paper thumbnail of Allelopathic effect of the Baltic picocyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. on selected diatoms

Annales Universitatis Paedagogicae Cracoviensis Studia Naturae, 2017

It is commonly believed that the structure of phytoplankton and the formation of cyanobacterial a... more It is commonly believed that the structure of phytoplankton and the formation of cyanobacterial and algal blooms may be explained by allelopathic interactions. The main aim of this study was to investigate the allelopathic effect of picocyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. on the following growth and fluorescence parameters: the maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), and the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII) of selected diatoms – Nitzschia fonticola, Fistulifera saprophila, Navicula perminuta and Amphora coffeaeformis. In this study, it was demonstrated that picocyanobacterium caused allelopathic effects against Baltic diatoms. The results showed that the addition of cell-free filtrate from Synechococcus sp. increased the number of cells of N. fonticola and F. saprophila. Moreover, it was found that picocyanobacterium was stimulated fluorescence parameters of N. fonticola, F. saprophila, and N. perminuta. On the other hand, it was noted that filtrate ...

Research paper thumbnail of Long- and short-term photoacclimation in epipsammon from non-tidal coastal shallows compared to epipelon from intertidal mudflat

Journal of Sea Research, 2018

Long-and short-term photoacclimation and their interaction were determined in two types of microp... more Long-and short-term photoacclimation and their interaction were determined in two types of microphytobenthos assemblages, i.e. epipelon from an intertidal mudflat and epipsammon from non-tidal sandy coastal shallows collected during summer and autumn months. Microphytobenthos photophysiology was assessed from steady-state light curve (SSLC) and rapid light-response curves (RLC) of variable chlorophyll fluorescence. The epipelon was low light acclimated, whereas in the epipsammon high light acclimation was observed. The epipelon turned out to be more susceptible to high light and in autumn a clear down turn in the relative electron transport rates was recorded. Long-term photoacclimation strongly affected both microphytobenthos types' short-term light responses. The epipelon acclimated to high ambient light intensities through the decreased light absorption and energy dissipation. The epipsammon, on the other hand, developed physiological flexibility allowing efficient use of the absorbed light and thus providing protection against higher irradiance.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of the Allelochemical Activity and Biochemical Profile of Different Phenotypes of Picocyanobacteria from the Genus Synechococcus

Marine Drugs, 2020

Organisms belonging to Synechococcus sp. genera are observed in all freshwater, brackish, and mar... more Organisms belonging to Synechococcus sp. genera are observed in all freshwater, brackish, and marine waters of the world. They play a relevant role in these ecosystems, since they are one of the main primary producers, especially in open ocean. Eventually, they form mass blooms in coastal areas, which are potentially dangerous for the functioning of marine ecosystems. Allelopathy could be an important factor promoting the proliferation of these organisms. According to the authors’ best knowledge, there is no information on the allelopathic activity and allelopathic compounds exhibited by different Synechococcus sp. phenotypes. Therefore, the research conducted here aimed to study the bioactivity of compounds produced by three phenotypes of Synechococcus sp. by studying their influence on the growth, chlorophyll fluorescence, and photosynthetic pigments of eighteen cyanobacteria and microalgae species. We demonstrated that three different Synechococcus sp. phenotypes, including a phy...

Research paper thumbnail of Growth phase-dependent biochemical composition of green microalgae: Theoretical considerations for biogas production

Bioresource Technology, 2020

One of the most efficient and promising technique for biofuel production from microalgae biomass ... more One of the most efficient and promising technique for biofuel production from microalgae biomass is an anaerobic fermentation. The goal of this work was to investigate changes in the biochemical composition during the long-term cultivation period of 15 green microalgal strains originating from the Baltic Sea. Subsequently, their theoretical methane potential (TMP), which is strictly determined by an algal growth phase and thus physiological state, was established. Based on the full spectrum of changes in the percentage share of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins in biomass, it was shown that the TMP values differed among strains as well as fluctuated during cultivation. The common trend, i.e., lipids accumulation and proteins breakdown in the late growth phase, was observed for most of the strains; others, however, preferred carbohydrates as storage material. The TMP data obtained herein allows developing a strategy for the design and production of algal biomass biochemically suited for fermentation.

Research paper thumbnail of Kody Kreskowe Dna – Możliwości I Zastosowanie

Kosmos, 2020

Barkoding DNA jest techniką, której celem jest ułatwienie identyfikacji wszystkich organizmów wys... more Barkoding DNA jest techniką, której celem jest ułatwienie identyfikacji wszystkich organizmów występujących w przyrodzie. Wykorzystuje ona krótką sekwencję nukleotydów charakterystyczną dla danego organizmu jako jego znacznik i umożliwia określenie gatunku bądź rodzaju badanego organizmu, jego postaci larwalnej, czy materiału kopalnego. Kodowanie kreskowe DNA stało się techniką molekularną wspierającą tradycyjne podejście do taksonomii, a także ze względu na łatwość stosowania, wiarygodność uzyskanych wyników posiada liczne zastosowania w różnych dziedzinach, które wydają się ważne i ułatwiają pracę czy życie ludzi. W artykule opisano możliwości i zalety wykorzystania techniki kodowania DNA w dziedzinach takich jak: nauka, przemysł, epidemiologia, entomologia sądowa, gdzie szybka analiza taksonomiczna jest niezwykle ważna. Technika ta posiada liczne możliwości zastosowania a wraz z rozwojem przemysłu i nauki stosowanie takich systemów diagnostyki taksonomicznej zyska większą popular...

Research paper thumbnail of Allelopathic activity of the three strains of Baltic picocyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. on selected algae and cyanobacteria

Acta Universitatis Matthiae Belii series Environmental Management, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Characteristics of the growth rate and lipid production in fourteen strains of Baltic green microalgae

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies, 2018

Screening of fourteen Baltic green algal strains provided basic data on their mass culture potent... more Screening of fourteen Baltic green algal strains provided basic data on their mass culture potential for the purpose of valuable biomass production with particular emphasis on lipid content. Selected microalgae were grown under non-stressed conditions in order to identify those characterized by efficient lipid production. The tested strains exhibited significant differences in growth patterns and lipid yields. Strains belonging to Chlorella and Stichococcus genera exhibited the highest growth rates, ranging from 0.39 d-1 to 0.50 d-1 and thus the highest final cell density (> 107 cells ml-1). Furthermore, five strains: C. minutissima BA-12, C. fusca BA-18, C. vulgaris BA-80, Monoraphidium sp. BA-165 and Chlorella sp. BA-167 were characterized by distinctively high lipid yield (> 60 mg l-1). The same strains, together with C. vulgaris BA-02, were also shown as those with the highest volumetric lipid productivity, reaching > 30 mg l-1 d-1. The tested Baltic strains performed w...

Research paper thumbnail of Environmental drivers of bloom-forming cyanobacteria in the Baltic Sea: Effects of salinity, temperature, and irradiance

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2019

Environmental changes, including hydrological modifications caused by global warming, are one of ... more Environmental changes, including hydrological modifications caused by global warming, are one of the major drivers of harmful cyanobacterial bloom expansion. The ecophysiological study of bloom-forming filamentous cyanobacteria Nodularia spumingena, Aphanizomenon sp. and Dolichospermum lemmermannii was conducted in a series of laboratory tests. Cyanobacterial cultures were grown at various combinations of environmental conditions (scenarios). These scenarios were combinations of irradiance in the sense of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) spectrum (10, 100, 190 and 280 μmol photons m −2 s −1), temperature (15, 20 and 25°C) and salinity (3, 8 and 13). The cell concentration, pigment content and photosynthetic performance of cyanobacteria were measured to analyze the environmental stress. Generally, a positive effect of high irradiance and temperature on the abundance of these organisms as well as a preference to low salinity were observed. Pigment concentration (chlorophyll a (Chl a), carotenoids (Car) and Car/Chl a ratio), Chl a fluorescence and photosynthetic irradiance response (P-E) curves were used to characterize photoacclimation capacity of the cyanobacterial strains. The highest Car/Chl a ratio was observed at a high irradiance (190-280 μmol photons m −2 s −1) and the lowest at 10 μmol photons m −2 s −1 and 25°C. Chl a fluorescence of cyanobacterial strains indicated that the highest irradiance (280 μmol photons m −2 s −1) and the highest temperature (25°C) had a negative effect on both the maximum quantum yield (F v /F m) and the effective quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry (ΦPSII). This effect was more pronounced in the case of ΦPSII than F v /F m. Based on photosynthesis irradiance response (P-E) curves, two mechanisms of photoacclimation were recognized. The maximum value of the photosynthetic capacity (P m) expressed per unit biomass for cells grown at 10 μmol photons m −2 s −1 indicated a change in the number of Photosynthetic Units (PSU). The constant values of the initial slope of the P-E curve (α) and the maximum value of P m expressed per Chl a unit at 280 μmol photons m −2 s −1 indicated another mechanism, a change in PSU size. The study showed a wide range of filamentous cyanobacteria responses to the changing environment. This may explain the successful growth of freshwater and brackish filamentous cyanobacteria in the Baltic Sea and suggests further expansion with progressing climate change.

Research paper thumbnail of Czynniki warunkujące zjawisko allelopatii u sinic i mikroglonów w ekosystemach wodnych

Kosmos, 2018

Allelopatia w środowisku wodnym może być narzędziem walki o zasoby pomiędzy organizmami wodnymi. ... more Allelopatia w środowisku wodnym może być narzędziem walki o zasoby pomiędzy organizmami wodnymi. Badania terenowe i prace laboratoryjne wykazały, że allelopatia może występować zarówno w ekosystemach morskich, brakicznych, jak i słodkowodnych. Związki allelopatyczne mogą negatywnie oddziaływać zarówno na wodnych producentów pierwotnych, jak i na skorupiaki, małże, ryby, ssaki, a nawet organizm człowieka. Jednakże stosunkowo niewiele czynników środowiskowych było dokładnie badanych pod kątem ich wpływu na produkcję związków allelopatycznych, dlatego rozpoznanie takie jest niedostateczne. Obecnie występują nieliczne prace, w których udokumentowano wpływ czynników biotycznych lub abiotycznych na występowanie oddziaływania allelopatycznego. Do najczęściej opisywanych czynników biotycznych, wpływających na oddziaływanie allelopatyczne, zalicza się samą specyfikę badanych organizmów, ich rozmiar, zagęszczenie początkowe komórek, fazę wzrostu organizmów donorowych i docelowych oraz ilość i...

Research paper thumbnail of Changes in Growth, Photosynthesis Performance, Pigments, and Toxin Contents of Bloom-Forming Cyanobacteria after Exposure to Macroalgal Allelochemicals

Toxins, 2021

Macroalgae can directly restrict the growth of various phytoplankton species by releasing allelop... more Macroalgae can directly restrict the growth of various phytoplankton species by releasing allelopathic compounds; therefore, considerable attention should be paid to the allelopathic potential of these organisms against harmful and bloom-forming cyanobacteria. The main aim of this study was to demonstrate for the first time the allelopathic activity of Ulva intestinalis on the growth, the fluorescence parameters: the maximum PSII quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm) and the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII), the chlorophyll a (Chl a) and carotenoid (Car) content, and the microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and phenol content of three bloom-forming cyanobacteria, Aphanizomenon sp., Nodularia spumigena, and Nostoc sp. We found both negative and positive allelopathic effects of U. intestinalis on tested cyanobacteria. The study clearly showed that the addition of the filtrate of U. intestinalis significantly inhibited growth, decreased pigment content and Fv/Fm and ΦPSII values of N. spu...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of the microphytobenthos photosynthesis on seabed backscattering properties

The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2018

The development of hydroacoustic techniques for benthic habitat classification requires understan... more The development of hydroacoustic techniques for benthic habitat classification requires understanding of biological effects on seabed geoacoustic properties. The study addresses only one biological process that could potentially change the properties—photosynthesis of benthic microalgae. The previous investigations demonstrated that the impact could be important in warm southern marine waters of relatively high salinity. This motivated us to study the effect of the microphytobenthos photosynthesis on the backscattering properties of the sandy sediments of the southern Baltic Sea, an area of lower temperature and salinity. The five multiday laboratory experiments, different in hydrophysical or biological conditions, were conducted. The backscatter data were acquired in the small tank with sandy bottom under controlled constant temperature and salinity with simulated “day” and “night” conditions (light/dark (L/D) photocycles). Oxygen content in the water column as well as biological and biooptical parameters were additionally monitored. The diel variations of the backscattered signal energy were analyzed. The study demonstrated the impact of microphytobenthos photosynthesis on the backscattering properties of the marine sediment and its sensitivity to the abiotic (illumination level) and biotic (benthic microalgal biomass and macrozoobenthos bioturbation) factors.The development of hydroacoustic techniques for benthic habitat classification requires understanding of biological effects on seabed geoacoustic properties. The study addresses only one biological process that could potentially change the properties—photosynthesis of benthic microalgae. The previous investigations demonstrated that the impact could be important in warm southern marine waters of relatively high salinity. This motivated us to study the effect of the microphytobenthos photosynthesis on the backscattering properties of the sandy sediments of the southern Baltic Sea, an area of lower temperature and salinity. The five multiday laboratory experiments, different in hydrophysical or biological conditions, were conducted. The backscatter data were acquired in the small tank with sandy bottom under controlled constant temperature and salinity with simulated “day” and “night” conditions (light/dark (L/D) photocycles). Oxygen content in the water column as well as biological and biooptical parameter...

Research paper thumbnail of Wpływ oddziaływania allelopatycznego sinic Synechococcus sp. oraz Nodularia spumigena na pobieranie pokarmu i przeżycie bałtyckich lasonogów Neomysis integer

Sinice są grupą organizmów często powodującą zakwity (Castenhoz, 2001). Ich masowe występowanie n... more Sinice są grupą organizmów często powodującą zakwity (Castenhoz, 2001). Ich masowe występowanie notowane jest w Bałtyku już od XIX wieku, lecz w ostatnich latach znacząco się nasiliło. Prace paleoekologiczne wykazały, że zakwity sinic pojawiły się w Morzu Bałtyckim już na początku fazy Litorynowej. Oddziaływania allelopatyczne mogą być jednym z czynników powodujących tworzenie się masowych zakwitów sinic (Suikkanen i in., 2004), które silnie oddziaływają na ekosystem wodny i mogą powodować poważne problemy zarówno ekologiczne, jak i ekonomiczne. Wcześniejsze badania wykazały, że niektóre gatunki fitoplanktonu mają zdolność do produkowania wtórnych metabolitów, które wpływają na preferencje pokarmowe, mobilność i śmiertelność ich potencjalnych drapieżników (Granéli i Johansson, 2003). Lasonogi są organizmami wszystkożernymi i stanowią znaczącą frakcję planktonożerców w Morzu Bałtyckim (Engström i in., 2001), jednakże efekt szkodliwego oddziaływania mikroglonów i sinic na ich tempo po...

Research paper thumbnail of Wpływ oddziaływania allelopatycznego bałtyckich sinic na przeżywalność lasonogów pospolitych Neomysis integer

Oddziaływania allelopatyczne mogą być jednym z czynników powodujących tworzenie się masowych zakw... more Oddziaływania allelopatyczne mogą być jednym z czynników powodujących tworzenie się masowych zakwitów sinic (Suikkanen i in., 2004), które silnie oddziaływają na ekosystem wodny i mogą powodować poważne problemy zarówno ekologiczne, jak i ekonomiczne. Wcześniejsze badania wykazały, że niektóre gatunki fitoplanktonu mają zdolność do produkowania wtórnych metabolitów, które wpływają na preferencje pokarmowe, mobilność i śmiertelność ich potencjalnych drapieżników (Granéli i Johansson, 2003). Lasonogi są organizmami wszystkożernymi i stanowią najważniejszą frakcję planktonożerców w Morzu Bałtyckim (Engström i in., 2001), jednakże efekt szkodliwego oddziaływania mikroglonów i sinic na ich tempo pobierania pokarmu i przeżywalność nie jest wystarczająco poznany.

Research paper thumbnail of Chlorophyll a content in the surface layer of the Gulf of Gdansk in the AVHRR images