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Microalgae have been considered as a potential feedstock for biomaterial compounds production. In the southern Mediterranean region, which suffers from water scarcity, using wastewaters as culture media for microalgae cultivation is recommended. Hence, an algal strain is needed, which exhibits high growth under the prevailing temperature and light conditions. To obtain such strains, natural samples were collected from a maturation pond in the Peri-Urban Area of Marrakech (Morocco) and cultivated in different types of wastewaters at light intensity of 1,500 µmol m–2 s–1 and temperature up to 45°C in a batch system. Three types of wastewaters were used: raw, treated, not sterilized treated domestic wastewater from muti-soil layering system and tap water, started with the same concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus. Results showed Chlorella was the only strain able to grow under the cultivation conditions established. This microalgae was identified by partial rbcL-gene as Chlorella sorokiniana with a genetic similarity of 98.8%, and registered under UCAM 001 (GenBank number MT999855). This finding indicates that the strain can be used for biomass production and phycoremediation process in semi-arid area. In addition, microalgae isolation by dominance could be a fast approach to obtain adapted strains for outdoor mass cultivation.

This work investigates the level of metallic trace elements (MTEs) and organic matter (OM) vertical contamination in the sediments of the Safi fishing port (Atlantic coast of Morocco). The choice of the site, never dredged since its construction and operation, constitutes a first scientific study on a national scale. Two sampling campaigns were carried out on 40 cm deep columns of sediment. The particle size profile of the sediment was studied and the organic matter and MTEs (Cd, Cu and Zn) contents were quantified. The results showed a homogeneous sediment profile over the entire depth with a dominance of medium and fine fractions. The average contents of MTEs revealed a significant state of contamination as well as a non-uniform distribution along the column. The recorded values are several times higher than the standards established by the legislation in force for the dredging operation. In addition, the eco-toxicological risk at the port, estimated through the calculation of various pollution and ecological risk indices, seems obvious. The correlations between MTEs and OM pointed out to probably similar origin for Cd and Zn, which is different from that of Cu. On the other hand, these analyses conclude that these metals are likely to bind to ligands other than OM. In addition, and according to the HCA analysis, the high organometallic concentrations recorded the sediment column could possibly be the result of four episodes of contamination emanating from human activities inherent in the activity of the entire port since its creation. The sediments of the fishing port therefore constitute a real threat to the marine environment, as various pollutants are likely to be released during a potentially future dredging operation., Moroccan Journal of Chemistry, Vol 10, No 1 (2022): in progress

Totally seventeen seaweeds (nine Phaeophyceae, six Rhodophyceae and two Ulvophyceae members) were collected from the Atlantic coast of Morocco in order to assess their antifungal and antioxidant activities. The crude methanolic extracts of 30 samples were screened for in vitro antifungal activities against phytopathogenic fungi Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium digitatum that infect fruits and vegetables. The methanolic extracts of Carpodesmia tamariscifolia, Cystoseira humilis, Carpodesmia mediterranea, Sacchoriza polyschides, Bifurcaria bifurcata, Hypnea musciformis and Caulacanthus ustulatus were considerably active against all fungi depending on seasonal variations in the levels of inhibitory activity. B. cinerea was highly sensitive to most algal extracts than P. digitatum. Phytochemical screening revealed that the most active extracts contain alkaloids, polyphenols and tannins. The antioxidant activity of the algae that possessed high antifungal activity was studied. Methanolic extract of C. tamariscifolia contains high phenolic content while the highest content of flavonoids was found in the C. humilis extract. The organic farming in the context of sustainable agriculture may use such natural products for the management of fungal diseases. With respect to such alternative in an integrated crop disease management program, further studies on these seaweeds are needed., Moroccan Journal of Chemistry, Vol. 9, No 3 (2021): in progress

Marine algae are potentially prolific sources of highly bioactive secondary metabolites that might represent useful leads in the development of agriculture, pharmacy, cosmetic among many other fields. In Morocco, advances in seaweed biotechnology were achieved over the last decade, especially in medical and agricultural fields. However, the algal biodiversity and its ecology tend to be less studied. These two aspects give more information about the availability of each species in each period and help to preserve the algal richness for a sustainable use. Along the Moroccan coast, which extends of over than 3400 km, the algal diversity was studied years ago by some authors. The present study aims to update the green and brown seaweeds species in the intertidal zone of the Atlantic coast of Sidi Bouzid, a seaside resort near El Jadida City (Morocco) ranked each year among the beaches called “blue flag” and thus targeted for its algae good quality. The samples were collected seasonally from October 2016 to July 2018, and transported to the laboratory at 2-4°C. Algal species are identified using different identification keys. The results obtained show a very important diversity (62 species in total) with 29 brown algae and 33 green ones. These seaweeds sustained a seasonal variation and their harvest should respect their dominance period because all the dominant species exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Finally, algal diversity identified in the intertidal and upper subtidal zones of the Atlantic coast of Sidi Bouzid Eljadida don’t reflect all the algal species present along the coast. So, we should also investigate all the subtidal zone where many other algae could be used., Journal of Analytical Sciences and Applied Biotechnology, Vol. 3, No 1 (2021): January - June

The accumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Li...) in soils, especially agricultural soils, can cause serious problems for the environment and organisms. The accumulation of these Heavy Metals is mainly due to intense human and industrial activities. These soil contamination problems can be partially solved by the application of phytoremediation technologies or phycoremediation using algae to complex and remove pollutants from the environment. In this study we evaluated the role of a macroalgae Corallina officinalis on the mitigation of chromium toxicity in the bean crop (Vicia faba L.). Our results showed that the addition 5% of Corallina officinalis improved growth parameters and chlorophyll content in bean leaves, and that in the presence of chromium, and reduced chromium toxicity on faba bean crop., Journal of Analytical Sciences and Applied Biotechnology, Vol 1, No 2 (2019): July - December