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Comparative study of selenium requirements of three phytoplankton species: Gymnodinium catenatum, Alexandrium minutum (Dinophyta) andChaetoceros cf. tenuissimus (Bacillariophyta)

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 11:54 authored by Doblin, M, Blackburn, SI, Gustaaf HallegraeffGustaaf Hallegraeff
This study investigated the selenium (Se) requirements of three phytoplankton species which commonly bloom in southern Australian estuaries. The present study showed that the toxic dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum Graham had an obligate requirement for Se (IV) in culture. After two transfers (~4 weeks ≃ 7 generations) in Se-deficient seawater medium, this phytoplankton species exhibited a decline in growth rate (25%) and biomass yield (90%), while complete cessation of cell division occurred under prolonged (8 weeks ≃ 12 generations) Se starvation. Addition of 10 -9 -10 -7 M H 2 SeO 3 to nutrient-enriched seawater medium resulted in increased G.catenatum growth and biomass yields in direct proportion to the Se concentrations offered. In contrast to G.catenatum, Se limitation was observed in the dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum Halim after four transfers (5 weeks ≃ 20 generations) in Se-deficient medium. Exponential growth rates of A.minutum decreased slightly (5-10%) when Se was not supplied, but biomass yields decreased as much as 80-90%. The diatom Chaetoceros cf. tenuissimus Meunier showed no evidence of Se limitation even after eight transfers (8 weeks; > 60 generations) in Se-deficient medium. Variations in growth rates and biomass yields between transfers provide valuable information about the relative potential for Se limitation in the three species studied. In addition, differences in Se requirement between these bloom-forming phytoplankton species suggest that this micronutrient may play a role in structuring phytoplankton communities in southern Australian waters.

History

Publication title

Journal of Plankton Research

Volume

21

Issue

6

Pagination

1153-1169

ISSN

0142-7873

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Place of publication

UK

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Control of pests, diseases and exotic species in coastal and estuarine environments

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