Search

Phlorotannins from Fucus vesiculosus , a brown seaweed, are gaining attention for their diverse biological effects, including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. This review analyzes these bioactive compounds, covering their chemical properties, extraction procedures, purification techniques, identification methods, and bioactivity. The review explores various extraction techniques, emphasizing parameter optimization to enhance yield and bioactivity. It then delves into purification processes like liquid-liquid partitioning and size-exclusion chromatography to isolate and concentrate phlorotannins. UHPLC-MS is employed for the identification of the purified phlorotannins, providing information on their molecular weight, structure, and composition. This allows for a deeper understanding of the diverse range of phlorotannins present in Fucus vesiculosus. Phlorotannins are distinguished by their potent antioxidant capabilities and demonstrate significant anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects. Their potential in combating neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer highlights their importance in preventing and treating oxidative stress-related and other chronic conditions. Despite promising findings, further research is essential to fully understand their mechanisms and applications in biomedical and industrial fields. This includes exploring their synergistic effects with other bioactive compounds, investigating their long-term safety and efficacy, and developing novel delivery systems for enhanced bioavailability. [Display omitted] • Fucus vesiculosus is rich in diverse health-boosting phlorotannins. • Utilize innovative extraction methods to amplify phlorotannin potency. • Reveal phlorotannin's potent antioxidants against oxidative stress. • Explore phlorotannin's full potential through future research endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroalgal nitrogen isotope analysis (δ15N) is a reliable method for the identification of nitrogen pollutant sources. Understanding δ15N geospatial variation within small bays and/or harbour environments can help identify point sources of nitrogen pollution. This study sampled over 300 Fucus vesiculosus and Ulva sp. specimens in September 2022 and May 2023 from Staithes Harbour, North Yorkshire, England. δ15N values for Staithes Beck were elevated when compared to sites in Staithes Harbour and the North Sea: this is attributed to sewage effluent and/or agricultural manure. Few sites within Staithes Harbour were significantly different from one another in terms of δ15N, suggesting a relatively homogenous nitrogen isotope record of the harbour. Simple harbour environments like Staithes may be relatively well mixed, and thus, sampling one harbour site may be enough to represent the entire harbour. Of course, more complex harbours may require more sample locations to ascertain point sources and mixing in the harbour. • Over 300 nitrogen isotope analyses of Fucus and Ulva were conducted in Staithes, North Yorkshire. • δ15N values indicate sewage effluent from Staithes Beck into Staithes Harbour. • Staithes Harbour is relatively homogenous in terms of δ15N indicating a well-mixed environment. • Macroalgae from well-mixed harbours represent the nitrogen isotope signature of that environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores efficient bioactive compounds extraction from Fucus vesiculosus (FV) seaweed using Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and Solid Liquid Extraction (SLE). Varied ultrasound intensities (UI) (58.8, 103.1 and 164.5 kW m−2 for U1, U2 and U3, respectively) were employed, and Peleg's model simulated extraction kinetics, revealing UAE's remarkable 10-min equilibrium contrasted with SLE's 3 h, showcasing UAE's time efficiency. UAE, particularly at U3, yielded significantly higher Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Uronic Acid Content (UAC) compared to SLE, reaching maximum concentrations of 2.26 ± 0.01 g PGE 100 g−1 DFV and 7.87 ± 0.11 g GAE 100 g−1, respectively. Increased UI enhanced DPPH and ABTS antioxidant activities, while low UI resulted in higher FRAP values. After 20 min of extraction, U3 demonstrated superior DPPH scavenging activity (5.75 ± 0.23 μM TE g−1 DFV), surpassing that of SLE after 20 h of extraction (4.76 ± 0.11 μM TE g−1 DFV). Additionally, U3 displayed elevated ABTS values (8.92 ± 0.33 μM TE g−1 DFV) compared to 6.46 ± 0.41 μM TE g−1 DFV for SLE, with no significant difference observed in FRAP values. These results highlight U3's enhanced antioxidant potential in comparison to SLE. The chromatographic analysis identified six main compounds through UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and HPLC. Higher concentrations of phloroglucinol, gallic acid, catechin, protocatechuic acid, and chlorogenic acid were observed in U3. However, SLE exhibited a higher ferulic acid content. Future research aims to explore phloroglucinol derivatives and FC, contributing to FV' potential applications. [Display omitted] • Fucus vesiculosus emerges as a promising reservoir for diverse bioactive compounds. • UAE swiftly extracts bioactive compounds, exceeding SLE in TPC, FC, and UAC. • UAE delivers potent antioxidants (DPPH, ABTS), comparable FRAP values to SLE. • Peleg's model predicts kinetics, with equilibrium at 3 h (SLE) and 10 min (UAE). • Chromatographic analysis confirms six polyphenols via UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and HPLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of gelatin from bovine skin on the rheological properties of hydrogels in an extract from the alginate-containing algae Fucus vesiculosus was studied. The shear rate and dynamic mechanical analyses were used to determine the rheological properties. FT-IR spectroscopy showed that the main structural component of the Fucus extract was sodium alginate. The changes of the rheological properties of the extract with the introduction of gelatin are explained using the framework of the alginate–gelatin complexation model. The Fucus extract showed a weakly expressed non-Newtonian behaviour since the flow index in the Ostwald–De Waele equation is 0.91–0.94. The introduction of gelatin (1.0 wt.%) into the extract at 24 °C led to the formation of a hydrogel, whereas the extract itself cannot form a gel with these conditions. Further increasing the concentration of gelatin led to an exponential increase in the yield stress, plastic viscosity and apparent viscosity of the hydrogels. The introduction of gelatin into the Fucus extract at 4 °C led to a non-additive increase in the elastic modulus (G ′), and a decrease in the tan δ of the hydrogels, i.e., strengthening of the elastic properties and weakening of viscous properties in these systems. The changes in the rheological parameters of a Fucus extract after the introduction of gelatin can be explained by an increase in the concentration of triple helices in the macromolecular chains of the gelatin, which are the elastic elements in the 3D mixed gel network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofouling by marine organisms can result in a variety of negative environmental and economic consequences, with decontamination procedures remaining problematic, costly and labour-intensive. Here, we examined the efficacy of direct steam exposure to induce mortality of selected biofouling species: Mytilus edulis ; Magallana gigas ; Semibalanus balanoides ; Fucus vesiculosus ; and an Ulva sp. Total mortality occurred at 60-sec of steam exposure for M. edulis and juvenile M. gigas , at 30-sec for S. balanoides , while 300-sec was required for adult M. gigas. Application of steam reduced the biomass of F. vesiculosus and significantly reduced Ulva sp. biomass, with complete degradation being observed for Ulva sp. following 120-sec of exposure. Accordingly, it appears that steam exposure can cause mortality of biofouling organisms through thermal shock. Although preliminary, our novel and promising results suggest that steam applications could potentially be used to decontaminate niche areas and equipment. • Steam exposure can cause mortality and biodegradation through thermal shock. • Direct exposure to steam caused total mortality of biofouling bivalve species. • Complete mortality can be achieved with short exposure times of ≤60 sec. • Larger-bodied bivalves, e.g. adult Magallana gigas , required longer exposure times. • Steam significantly reduced the biomass of Ulva sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Seaweed biomass is a valuable marine resource that can be used for energetic purposes or high value-added product production. Cultured locally, seaweed is considered to reduce pressure on agricultural lands and reduce eutrophication. Seaweed cultivation success is dependent from several factors which includes seaweed reproduction, where spore release takes important place. Stress induced spore release is a part of fertilization material preparation. Stress can be obtained by drying seaweed. Drying in aluminium foil and in wet paper were tested on brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus to determine if they have an impact on the amount on released spores and on spore fertilization. Wet paper and aluminium foil were used for material drying. Drying in foil increase the number of released gametes, but do not have an impact on fertilization rate. Drying length 6 days and 2 days were tested and 6 days gave better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Estarreja Channel, Ria de Aveiro, Portugal, received industrial effluents for over 70 years. Despite the discharges stopped a decade ago, a recent study showed negative ecological effects still associated with the metal and metalloid contaminated sediments. In contaminated versus reference channels, this study compared the benthic macrofauna collected with corer and mesh-bags for community structure and synthesis descriptors, namely taxa richness (S), Shannon-Wiener diversity (H′), taxonomic (AMBI and M-AMBI) and non-taxonomic (ISS) biotic indices and functional indicators (decomposition rates). The corer infauna dominated community and the associated S, H′, M-AMBI and ISS indices detected significant differences between contaminated and reference channels, otherwise undistinguished by the decomposition rates and the mesh-bags epifauna dominated community and associated indices. This suggests that sediment contamination in the deeper layers is not being transferred to the surface layers, explaining the non-affectation of the benthic macrofauna communities sampled in the leaf-bags. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization of coastlines is leading to increased introduction of nutrients from the terrestrial environment to nearshore habitats. While such nutrient influxes can be detrimental to coastal marine organisms due to increased eutrophication and subsequent reduced oxygen, they could also have positive effects (i.e., increased food availability) on species that are nitrogen-limited such as macroalgae. Nutrient enrichment in this environment thus has the potential to counteract some of the negative impacts of increasing temperatures, at least for some species. Characterizing the physiological response of organisms to simultaneous changes in multiple drivers such as these is an important first step in predicting how global climate change may lead to ecological responses at more local levels. We evaluated how nutrient enrichment (i.e., nitrogen availability) affected the growth of Fucus vesiculosus, a foundational macroalgal species in the North Atlantic rocky intertidal zone, and found that nutrient-enriched algal blades showed a significant increase in tissue growth compared to individuals grown under ambient conditions. We further quantified net photosynthesis by ambient and nutrient-enriched tissues at saturating irradiance over a range of temperature conditions (6-30°C). Respiration was unaffected by nutrient treatment; however, there was a significant increase in photosynthetic oxygen production for nutrient-enriched tissue compared to ambient, but only at elevated (≥18°C) temperatures. This study contributes to a growing body of literature showing the complexity of responses to changes in multiple drivers, and highlights the importance of studying the impacts of global climate change within the context of more local environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fucoidan is comprised of a fucose backbone with sulphate groups, whose variation is important to the functionality of the polysaccharide. The structure of fucoidan has been reported to vary according to species, season, location and maturity; however there is currently little published data to support this. Understanding the seasonal variation of fucoidan is important for industrial applications to identify optimum harvesting times and ensure consistent product composition. This study explores the seasonal variation of three species of brown macroalgae, Fucus serratus (FS), Fucus vesiculosus (FV) and Ascophyllum nodosum (AN), harvested monthly off the coast of Aberystwyth, UK. Average fucoidan content is 6.0, 9.8 and 8.0 wt% respectively for FS, FV and AN, with highest quantities extracted in autumn and lowest in spring. Fucose content, varied between 18 and 28, 26–39 and 35–46 wt% and sulphate content between 30 and 40, 9–35 and 6–22 wt% for FS, FV and AN respectively, with both fluctuating inversely to the total fucoidan content. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) has provided insight into the structural differences between the species. Based on the molecular weight (MW) distribution, and in line with previous research, it is hypothesised that fucoidan in FS has a more complex structure, with a higher degree of associated sulphate ions than in FV and AN which have a simpler, linear structure with less associated sulphate ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seafood traceability is a matter of concern for producers and consumers, providing insights that can simultaneously inform the consumers on the origin of the product, nutritional value and safety while adding market value to the products. Edible seaweed harvest has been pointed out as an environmentally friendly sustainable food production solution. Ulva spp. and Fucus vesiculosus are among the most abundant naturally occurring estuarine seaweeds with high biomass production on the Portuguese coast, making them a potentially important seafood resource. Seaweed elemental signatures chemometric analysis made it possible to confirm species authenticity with 100 % accuracy, which can be of major importance for powdered seaweed food supplements certification. Using the seaweed thallus elemental signatures through Variable Importance in Projection Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis (VIP-PLS-DA) it was also possible to pinpoint the harvest location of the seaweeds with 82.5 and 92.5 % accuracy for F. vesiculosus and Ulva respectively. These same multi-elemental signatures were also able to depict the harvest season of the seaweeds (100.0 and 85.0 % accuracy for F. vesiculosus and Ulva respectively). Analysing the elements with higher importance for the PLS-DA models, it was evident that several elements with higher discriminatory ability are linked to anthropogenic sources. Considering the anthropogenic pressure gradient in the Tagus estuary, it is no surprise that these elements have a fine-scale spatial variability. While providing key models for fine-scale spatial traceability of seaweeds, the multi-elemental signatures here presented also provide key insights on their nutritional value in terms of recommended mineral daily intake, given that in some of the harvest areas analysed, seaweed thallus presented values above the maximum admissible threshold for human consumption. Thus, the developed models can be of added value for seaweed consumers, authorities and stakeholders, namely for the safe and sustainable development and monitoring of conservation and harvesting plans within estuarine systems. • Elemental profiles (EP) made it possible to confirm powdered seaweed products' authenticity. • Ulva spp and F. vesiculosus harvest locations were accurately pinpointed using thallus EP. • A similar approach allowed us to correctly depict the seaweed sampling season. • Simultaneously seaweed EP allowed to nutritionally value products from different sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroalgae have recently attracted attention as a possible feedstock for energy as well as for biogas. Macroalgae have higher productivity than terrestrial plants, and do not compete with crops for arable land but insight is still necessary on the biogas yield for an overall sustainable evaluation. The objective of this study was addressed to evaluate the effect mechanical pre-treatment (MW) on anaerobic digestion (AD) conversion of the brown algae Fucus vesiculosus washed ashore in the Gulf of Riga. The AD were carried out in batch tests at 37 °C, over an incubation time no longer than 21–25 days, in order to evaluate the biological methane potential (BMP). Two mechanical pre-treatment methods were tested including a biomass washing with TAP water and a further manual chopping up to a maximum size of 5 mm. Total solids (TS) and volatile solids (VS) tests were defined according to EPA standards [1] . The batch test-based BMP was further compared with the theoretical biological BMP from Buswell's formula. The results show the BMP is doubling up to 200 l CH 4 /kg TS if any pre-treatments method is applied. The thicker cell walls of the brown marine algae respect other macro algae types and as well respect fresh water macroalgae which inhibit the activity of fermentative bacteria during the hydrolysis process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweed biomass is washed ashore on beaches causing recreational problems for local inhabitants and tourists. The management of marine waste in Latvia is not well developed. Brown algae Fucus vesiculosus is one of the most abundant seaweeds in Latvia. The chemical composition of brown algae Fucus vesiculosus , collected from the Gulf of Riga, was evaluated. Algae contain higher amounts of both macroelements (490 – 21500 ppm; P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn) and trace elements (0.11 – 930 ppm; Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, Sr, As, Cd, Se) than terrestrial plants. The obtained composition was used to describe the potential uses of seaweed. Food, pharmacy and bioenergy were considered as potentially the best sectors for macroalgae use. Due to high levels of heavy metals in seaweed, it is not recommended to use F. vesiculosus from Gulf of Riga as a food. The best potential use is found to be using it as biomass feed to obtain biogas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metals commonly employed in boat paint (Ba, Cr, Cu, Pb, Sn and Zn) have been determined in 63-μm-fractionated intertidal sediments and in Ulva lactuca and Fucus vesiculosus sampled in the vicinity of abandoned vessels. Metal concentrations in sediment were elevated but highly variable, both between sites and amongst replicates from the same site (e.g., mean Cu ~ 100 to 1200 mg kg−1; mean Pb ~ 130 to 6900 mg kg−1) due to heterogeneous contamination by metal-rich boat paint particles. Concentrations of all metals except Zn were higher in U. lactuca than F. vesiculosus but in both species metal levels were also elevated and variable. These observations were attributed to contamination by sediment particles and physical and chemical interactions between fine, suspended or deposited paint particles and the algal surface. The latter interactions act as a means by which boat paint metals may enter the foodchain. • Metals have been measured in sediment and macroalgae close to abandoned boats. • Concentrations of Ba, Cr, Cu, Pb, Sn and Zn were elevated but variable in all materials. • Sediments are directly and heterogeneously contaminated by paint particles. • It is suggested that fine paint particles also interact with the macroalgal surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed, including Fucus vesiculosus. This compound is known to have immunostimulatory effects on various types of immune cells including macrophages and dendritic cells. A recent study described the application of fucoidan as a vaccine adjuvant. Vaccination is regarded as the most efficient prophylactic method for preventing harmful or epidemic diseases. To increase vaccine efficacy, effective adjuvants are needed. In the present study, we determined whether fucoidan can function as an adjuvant using vaccine antigens. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that fucoidan increases the expression of the activation markers major histocompatibility complex class II, cluster of differentiation (CD)25, and CD69 in spleen cells. In combination with Bordetella bronchiseptica antigen, fucoidan increased the viability and tumor necrosis factor-? production of spleen cells. Furthermore, fucoidan increased the in vivo production of antigen-specific antibodies in mice inoculated with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae antigen. Overall, this study has provided valuable information about the use of fucoidan as a vaccine adjuvant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of marine macroalgae has been linked with health benefits, albeit some actions, including genoprotection, remain underexplored. Hence, we evaluated the genoprotective potential of a mixture of Ulva rigida , Fucus vesiculosus and Gracilaria gracilis , through direct consumption or via indirect intake using fish (Sparus aurata) as a vector of algal phytocompounds. Mice (Mus musculus) were subjected to a 1-month dietary supplementation with 5% of macroalgae mix or 10% of fillet of fish previously fed with an algae-supplemented aquafeed (for comparison purposes, 10% supplementation with fillet of fish standardly fed was also considered). Thereafter, mice were challenged by the genotoxicant methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), and the genetic damage was evaluated through the micronuclei test. Complementarily, a wider evaluation was carried out encompassing the assessment of energy metabolism, haematological and histological parameters, as well as growth performance. Macroalgae unequivocally protected against MMS-induced genotoxicity. The activity profile of hepatic lactate and isocitrate dehydrogenases promoted by the supplemented diets reflected an improved energy balance. Genoprotection properties were not transferred via fish fed with the algae-supplemented aquafeed, though the transference of phytocomponents with beneficial properties (viz. energy balance improvement) should not be disregarded. Overall, these findings highlighted the genoprotection afforded by marine macroalgae, likely promoted by desmutagenic factors, reinforcing their definition as functional food. The possibility of using fish as an indirect source of algae-borne phytocomponents proved to be plausible and worthy of further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural abundance of 15N (δ15N) has been widely used to detect anthropogenically derived N loads in environmental impact studies. The present study involved retrospective analysis of subsamples of Fucus vesiculosus L. collected during a period of three years (2008-2010) from two sites: a control site, within a coastal reference area, and an area affected by the effluents of a marine land-based fish farm. The isotopic signal in different subsamples of the macroalgae thalli (tissue that has grown during the same period) varied depending on the age of the tissue. Moreover, the isotopic signal decreased significantly with the age of the frond to within a certain range. The δ15N of F. vesiculosus is temporally unstable; therefore, measurement of the δ15N of macroalgal tissues does not allow reliable retrospective biomonitoring of environmental pollution. Further knowledge about the growth and other biological aspects of this species is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Metal uptake was studied in three monitoring species and DGT near a Pb–Zn mine. [•] Elevated metal concs. were observed near the mine after 9-days deployment. [•] Pb uptake in DGT and indicator species correlated well (R 2 =0.79–0.94). [•] Zn and Fe uptake were less corr. due to more complex uptake/exclusion mechanisms. [•] The method can be used for evaluating present loads of bioavailable heavy metals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper provides one of the most comprehensive studies of metal distributions in three main macroalgae species. In this novel study, levels of total, intracellular and surface bound Pb, Zn, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn and Ni associated with Polysiphonia lanosa (L) Tandy, Ascophyllum nodosum (L) Le Jolis, Fucus vesiculosus (L) and Ulva sp. were determined. Additionally, water and sediment metal levels were analysed to gain an insight into the relative uptake efficiencies of different macroalgal species. Samples were collected from a clean site in Fethard-on-Sea, Wexford, Ireland (52°11′53.68′N, 6°49′34.64′W), in May 2008. Results demonstrated that total, intracellular and surface bound metal levels varied according to metal and seaweed species, with the highest proportion of metals found to be intracellular. Inhibition of Mn uptake by Zn was indicated for P. lanosa. Furthermore, P. lanosa had enhanced bioaccumulation ability, with the highest Concentration Factor reported of any seaweed to date. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Histopathological alterations can indicate time-integrated impacts on organisms stemming from alterations at lower biological organisation levels. Long-term (native mussels) and short-term (transplanted clams) changes in the tissues of molluscs exposed to the effluents from two land-based marine fish farms (LBMFFs) were determined. Histological alterations were related to the δ15N isotopic signal measured in mussels and macroalgae. Effluents from LBMFFs were found to cause severe and moderate gill filament exfoliation in clams and mussels, respectively. Some transplanted clams showed severe degrees of hemocytic phagocytosis in gonads and connective tissue. In an attempt to semi-quantitatively summarize the observed histopathological alterations, a weighted index of damage (WID) was calculated for each type of alteration, species and sampling site. The WID was clearly related to the δ15N descriptor of exposure. Further studies aimed at standardizing this relationship may establish critical thresholds of the descriptor for its implementation within environmental monitoring plans for LBMFFs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Time series of 137Cs and 99Tc activity concentrations in the brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus and seawater, gathered at three locations on the eastern Irish coastline during the period 1988–2008, have been modelled using a novel approach incorporating a variable uptake rate in the seaweed. Seasonal variations in the time series, identified using spectral analysis, were incorporated into the model which was used to determine transfer kinetic parameters and to predict 137Cs and 99Tc concentrations in seaweed, as influenced by levels in ambient seawater. An optimisation method combining evolutionary and grid search minimisation techniques was adopted to determine the best values for the model parameters, from which concentration factors (CF) and biological half-lives (tb 1/2) for 137Cs and 99Tc in F. vesiculosus were calculated. CF values of 170–179 and 1.1×105lkg−1 (dry weight) were obtained for 137Cs and 99Tc, respectively, while the corresponding tb 1/2 values were 39–47 and 32days, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study on the reproduction of intertidal macrophyte Fucus vesiculosus in the nearshore environment. The authors investigate the gametes released by F. vesiculosus in four sites at the Schoodic Peninsula in Maine during two reproductive seasons. It mentions that the fucoid algae at the Gulf of Maine (GOM)produce egg in an uncharacterized subsidy, while gametes released at Schoodic Peninsula during sunny days with 6.6 meter per second wind speed.

The article discusses a study of the effects of light limitation and temperature shift on palatability and induced antiherbivore defense in the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus L. It reports that palatability of the brown alga is increased by incubation for two weeks at light intensities above the compensation point of photosynthesis and in the absence of grazers. Also noted is the subsequent consumption by omnivorous isopod Idotea baltica Pallas. It points out the correlation between such effect with an increased carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratio and mannitol content in the algal tissue. It concludes that upward and downward shifts in water temperature did not affect algal growth and were the consequence of an impairment of specific defense-related components rather than of resource limitation.

Abstract: Radiocarbon levels were recorded in Fucus vesiculosus samples collected on a monthly basis over a three-year period at a site on the east coast of Ireland. The resulting data was analysed using a numerical model which estimates the transit times from the Sellafield plant to the sampling location, and the mean availability time of 14C in seaweed. With the inclusion of a model parameter allowing for seasonal variability in uptake by the Fucus, good correlation was observed between the predicted and measured concentrations. Future temporal trends of 14C Fucus concentrations along the eastern Irish coastline were modelled with the application of three possible prospective discharge scenarios, predicting 14C Fucus concentrations to reduce to ambient background levels within 2.5-years of discharges being set to zero. Such projections may prove helpful in assessing the consequences of discharge management and policy making in the context of the OSPAR convention. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lagoons are ecosystems where freshwater and marine organisms converge together with lagoonal specialists to form a mixed community that may vary spatially along a salinity gradient. Many organisms can only survive within relatively narrow bands of salinity. As a result of marine and freshwater inflows, together with exposure to variable salinity levels, dead marine and terrestrial biomass is accumulated in lagoons where it enters the detritic pathway. This study examined the in situ decomposition of marine (Fucus vesiculosus) and terrestrial (Alder glutinosa) biomass in Cuskinny Lagoon, South West Ireland. F. vesiculosus decayed rapidly and uniformly across the lagoon. A. glutinosa biomass loss varied throughout the lagoon, with the greatest loss occurring near the freshwater inflow. Thus, the spatial pattern of A. glutinosa decomposition differs from that of F. vesiculosus decomposition. Invertebrate abundances were not related to the amount of biomass loss of the marine and terrestrial material. This study demonstrates the differential decomposition patterns of marine and terrestrial biomass in the dynamic environment of a coastal lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigates the ecological potential of abiotic stressors and biotic interactions in the bladder wrack Fucus vesiculosus in Western Baltic. It examines the abiotic regime in F. vesiculosus habitat of Western Baltic, the variability of microfouling pressure with temperature and dept, and whether environmental stressors affect the composition of biofilms in F. vesiculosus. It explores the effect of stress on the capacity of F. vesiculosus to chemically modulate microfouling. It says that the epibiotic cover and fouling pressure varied with changing environmental stressors including temperature, depth, and grazing. It concludes that the ability of the alga to modulate fouling may be affected by light reduction, but not with warming or enhanced grazing.

The article discusses research on the indirect interaction between two different species of meso-herbivores mediated by seaweeds. It references a study by Hee Young Yun at the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research in Helgoland, Germany, and his colleagues, published in the June 3, 2010 issue of "Marine Ecology Progress Series." The researchers studied whether the feeding of the isopod Idotea baltica or the periwinkle Littorina littorea influenced the consumption by other consumers through anti-herbivory defense induction in the brown seaweed called Fucus vesiculosus. They conclude that the quantity and quality of induced defenses appears to be independent of the identity of the inducer.

The article presents a study which examined the vertical distributional patterns of Fucus vesiculosus and spiralis species along the intertidal gradient of selective pressures at the intertidal rocky shores using assignment tests based on microsatellite markers. It is stated that DNA extraction for genotyping was extracted from dried tissue and estimations of occurrence and frequency of null alleles were performed. The different times and pathways to reproductive isolation derived from patterns of divergence in reproductive mode were discussed.

Eutrophication is a major threat to aquatic ecosystems, because excessive nutrient enrichment may result in the loss of ecosystem services. Fjord systems are specifically under pressure due to nutrient input from land (agriculture) and sea (aquaculture). In this bioassay study, we have analyzed the effect of different nutrient sources, as well as their combination, on growth, nutrient composition and recruitment of habitat-forming and ephemeral macrophytes. We found that agricultural fertilizer increased growth for all algae (except Fucus), while the fish farm effluents mainly increased growth of Ulva. The C:N ratio was hardly affected by the fish farm, but decreased significantly in all algae when agriculture fertilizer was added. Most interestingly, however, distance to the fish farm modulated the algal response to the fertilizer. Our results demonstrate the importance of studying effects of multiple stressors in aquatic ecosystems to sustainably manage the consequences of anthropogenic impacts. • Experimental bioassay study on multiple nutrient effects on macroalgae • Aquaculture effluents affected mainly growth of the annual algae Ulva. • Agriculture fertilizer increased growth for all algae except Fucus. • Algal C:N ratio was affected by agriculture fertilizer but not aquaculture effluents. • Distance to the fish farm modulated the algal response to the fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study investigates the effects of waterborne copper exposure on germling growth in chemically defined seawater. Germlings of the macroalgae, Fucus vesiculosus were exposed to a range of copper and dissolved organic carbon (DOC as humic acid) concentrations over 14 days. Germling growth was found to be a sensitive indicator of copper exposure with total copper (TCu) and labile copper (LCu) EC50 values of approximately 40 and 20μg/L, respectively, in the absence of added DOC. The addition of DOC into the exposure media provided germlings with protection against copper toxicity, with an increased TCu EC50 value of 117.3μg/L at a corrected DOC (cDOC from humic acid only) concentration of 2.03mg/L. The LCu EC50 was not affected by a cDOC concentration of 1.65mg/L or less, suggesting that the LCu concentration not the TCu concentration was responsible for inhibiting germling growth. However, at a cDOC concentration of approximately 2mg/L an increase in the LCu EC50 suggests that the LCu concentration may play a role in the overall toxicity to the germlings. This is contrary to current understanding of aquatic copper toxicity and possible explanations for this are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study on the brown macroalgae, also known as Fucus vesiculosus, using the nitrogen stable-isotope ratio. Also noted is the impact of nutrient discharges from sewage treatment plants on the eutrophication of coastal and estuarine areas. Discussed is the result of nutrient budget calculations during the study.

Increasing emissions of Platinum-Group Elements (PGE) into marine environments may negatively impact ecosystems services and organisms wellbeing. Removing PGE from contaminated systems using efficient and low-cost technologies can therefore provide a sustainable solution to aquatic systems remediation. Previous studies highlight algae's high binding ability to metals in solution. Assessing the viability of various algae species to remove PGE from contaminated solutions, while identifying differences in performance among algae and among elements, was the purpose of this study. For this, six macroalgae species (Ulva lactuca , Ulva intestinalis , Fucus spiralis , Fucus vesiculosus , Osmundea pinnatifida and Gracilaria sp., 3 g L−1) were exposed to PGE (Palladium, Rhodium, Ruthenium, Iridium and Platinum)-spiked seawater (10 and 500 µg L−1) for 72 h. Removal rates varied with time and among macroalgae and elements. Palladium was easily removed by all species (up to 83 %), while other PGE showed lower affinity to macroalgae. Removal sequence was Pd > Rh > Ru > Ir > Pt. Initial concentration rise induced faster and higher removal. U. lactuca performed best for all elements, while brown macroalgae were the less effective. Macroalgae external area and chemical composition were considered major factors influencing sorption, although each element and macroalgae should be examined individually. Results evidence living macroalgae (particularly U. lactuca) as a promising alternative to remediate PGE contaminated waters. ga1 • The uptake of 5 Platinum-Group Elements (PGE) by 6 living macroalgae was studied. • Pd removal from water, 81%, is greater than other PGE for all algae and concentrations. • U. lactuca uptake more PGE (407 µg Pd/g) than other species, even for Ru, Ir and Pt. • Algae external surface area and chemical composition influence PGE sorption. • Living macroalgae potential towards water remediation and PGE recovery is evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are of major concern due to their high persistence and toxicity. Recently, rare earth elements (REEs) concentration in aquatic ecosystems has been increasing due to their application in modern technologies. Thus, this work aimed to study, for the first time, the influence of REEs (lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium and yttrium) and of salinity (10 and 30) on the removal of PTEs (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni and Pb) from contaminated waters by living macroalgae (Fucus spiralis, Fucus vesiculosus, Gracilaria sp. , Osmundea pinnatifida, Ulva intestinalis and Ulva lactuca). Experiments ran for 168 h, with each macroalga exposed to saline water spiked with the six PTEs and with the six PTEs plus nine REEs (all at 1 μmol L−1) at both salinities. Results showed that all species have high affinity with Hg (90–99% of removal), not being affected neither by salinity changes nor by the presence of other PTEs or REEs. Cd showed the lowest affinity to most macroalgae, with residual concentrations in water varying between 50 and 108 μg L−1, while Pb removal always increased with salinity decline (up to 80% at salinity 10). REEs influence was clearer at salinity 30, and mainly for Pb. No substantial changes were observed in Ni and Hg sorption. For the remaining elements, the effect of REEs varied among algae species. Overall, the results highlight the role of marine macroalgae as living biofilters (particularly U. lactuca), capable of lowering the levels of top priority hazardous substances (particularly Hg) and other PTEs in water, even in the presence of the new emerging contaminants - REEs. Differences in removal efficiency between elements and macroalgae are explained by the contaminant chemistry in water and by macroalgae characteristics. Image 1 • Effect of salinity and of REEs on PTEs uptake by six living macroalgae was studied. • Hg was the element more efficiently removed by all species (>95%) from all mixtures. • Removal of Pb was enhanced at the lower salinity (10) comparatively to salinity 30. • Neither salinity nor REEs presence caused substantial changes in Ni and Hg sorption. • Cd had the lowest affinity to all macroalgae, in both salinities. Effect of salinity and REE presence for Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni and Pb removal by seaweeds depends on contaminant chemistry and algae characteristics: Hg is always the most removed; Cd the least; low salinity rises Pb removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to optimize the protocol for sampling marine macroalgae to be used to biomonitor heavy metal contamination in marine ecosystems. For this purpose, we collected 50 subsamples of the brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus at random in each of three sampling sites (SS) and determined the concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, N, Ni, Pb, Zn and δ15N. We used semivariograms to explore the possible existence of spatial structure in the concentrations of the elements. Spatial structure was observed in 88% of the semivariograms studied, with element concentrations varying longitudinally and transversally along the SS. Using randomization techniques, we estimated that in each SS, a minimum of 30 evenly distributed subsamples should be collected within three bands parallel to the coastline (and also at different heights on the rocks if necessary), and analyzed in a single composite sample representative of the intra-SS variability. Image 1 • Collecting ≥30 subsamples per site is recommended to represent the local variability. • The position of the subsamples along the shoreline vertical position is important. • Subsamples should be collected evenly distributed in 3 bands parallel to the shoreline. Optimization of the macroalgae sampling protocol for its application in biomonitoring studies of heavy metal contamination in coasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The viability and physiological state of brown macroalgae Fucus vesiculosus and its associated epiphytic bacteria exposed to diesel water-accommodated fraction (WAF), as well as the capacity of this association to deplete petroleum hydrocarbons (HCs) were experimentally tested. After a 6-day exposure treatment, the algal-surface associated bacteria were identified as primarily hydrocarbon-oxidising bacteria (HOB), and the algal-HOB association was able to deplete petroleum hydrocarbons from the diesel WAF by 80%. The HOB density on the algal surface exposed to diesel WAF was 350% higher compared to the control (i.e. HOB density on the algal surface exposed to ambient seawater), which suggest that they actively proliferated in the presence of hydrocarbons and most likely consumed hydrocarbons as their primary organic substrate. Exposure to diesel WAF did not affect the metabolic activity of F. vesiculosus. Higher lipid peroxidation was observed in F. vesiculosus exposed to diesel WAF while catalase concentration decreased only during the first day of exposure. Results suggest F. vesiculosus is tolerant to oil pollution and the algal-HOB association can efficiently deplete petroleum hydrocarbons in oil-contaminated seas. Image 1 • One kg of Fucus vesiculosus and its associated bacteria depleted up to 400 mg hydrocarbons day−1. • Exposure to diesel water-accommodated fraction increased the hydrocarbon-oxidising bacterial density by 350%. • Exposure to diesel water-accommodated fraction did not significantly affect the physiological integrity of F. vesiculosus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a significant contributor of metal pollution leading to ecosystem damage. Bioindicator organisms such as intertidal brown macroalgae have an important role in quantifying the risks of metal bioaccumulation in coastal locations exposed to AMD contamination. Measurement of As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn accumulation was performed in Fucus serratus , Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum sampled from two marine locations near to an abandoned Cu mine in Anglesey, Wales, UK. Transect samples were taken from a coastal location (Amlwch) that has seen a substantial increase in AMD contamination over 15 years, in comparison to a nearby estuarine location (Dulas Estuary leading to Dulas Bay) with a historic legacy of pollution. These were compared with samples from the same sites taken 30 years earlier. Some of the Dulas macroalgae samples had Cd, Cu and Zn concentrations that were above background but in general indicated a non-polluted estuary in comparison to substantial pollution over previous decades. In contrast, Fucus samples collected from directly below an AMD outflow at Amlwch showed extremely elevated metal bioaccumulation (>250 mg Fe g−1, >6 mg Cu g−1, >2 mg Zn g−1, >190 μg As g−1) and evidence of macroalgae toxicity, indicating severe pollution at this site. However, the pollution dispersed within 200 m of the outflow source. This study has demonstrated the efficiency of three brown macroalgae species as indicators for metal bioavailability at high spatial resolution and over time. • Three species of brown macroalgae were used to quantify mine drainage pollution. • These bioindicator species allowed high resolution mapping of pollutant dispersal. • Fucus samples next to an AMD outflow indicated severe Cu, As and Zn pollution. • Metals dispersed in the sea within 200 m of the outflow source. • The macroalgae bioindicators indicated the change in AMD pollution over 30 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]