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The phylogroup Chloromonadinia (Volvocales, Chlorophyceae) comprises green microalgae that inhabit a variety of environments, including freshwater, soil, and snow. Two strains were isolated from tw...

The genus Mallomonas consists of single-celled flagellates covered with siliceous scales and bristles and is well known in freshwater environments. Two new marine Mallomonas species were collected ...

A cold-tolerant unicellular green alga was isolated from a meltwater stream on King George Island, Antarctica. Morphological, molecular, and biochemical analyses revealed that the isolate belonged to the species Chlorella vulgaris. We tentatively named this algal strain C.vulgaris KNUA007 and investigated its growth and lipid composition. We found that the strain was able to thrive in a wide range of temperatures, from 5 to 30 &deg, C, however, it did not survive at 35 &deg, C. Ultimate analysis confirmed high gross calorific values only at low temperatures (10 &deg, C), with comparable values to land plants for biomass fuel. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the isolate was rich in nutritionally important polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The major fatty acid components were hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:3 &omega, 3, 17.31%), linoleic acid (C18:2 &omega, 6, 8.52%), and &alpha, linolenic acid (C18:3 &omega, 3, 43.35%) at 10 &deg, C. The microalga was tolerant to low temperatures, making it an attractive candidate for the production of biochemicals under cold weather conditions. Therefore, this Antarctic microalga may have potential as an alternative to fish and/or plant oils as a source of omega-3 PUFA. The temperature tolerance and composition of C.vulgaris KNUA007 also make the isolate desirable for commercial applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

The diversity indices of eukaryotic microalgal groups in the Jeonglyeongchi, Waegok, and Wangdeungjae marshes of Mount Jiri, Korea, were measured using Illumina MiSeq and culture-based analyses. Waegok marsh had the highest species richness, with a Chao1 value of 828.00, and the highest levels of species diversity, with Shannon and Simpson index values of 6.36 and 0.94, respectively, while Wangdeungjae marsh had the lowest values at 2.97 and 0.75, respectively. The predominant species in all communities were Phagocata sibirica (Jeonglyeongchi, 68.64%), Aedes albopictus (Waegok, 34.77%), Chaetonotus cf. (Waegok, 24.43%), Eimeria sp. (Wangdeungjae, 26.17%), and Eumonhystera cf. (Wangdeungjae, 22.27%). Relative abundances of the microalgal groups Bacillariophyta (diatoms) and Chlorophyta (green algae) in each marsh were respectively: Jeonglyeongchi 1.38% and 0.49%, Waegok 7.0% and 0.3%, and Wangdeungjae 10.41% and 4.72%. Illumina MiSeq analyses revealed 34 types of diatoms and 13 types of green algae. Only one diatom (Nitzschia dissipata) and five green algae (Neochloris sp., Chlamydomonas sp., Chlorococcum sp., Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus sp.) were identified by a culture-based analysis. Thus, Illumina MiSeq analysis can be considered an efficient tool for analyzing microbial communities. Overall, our results described the environmental factors associated with geographically isolated mountain marshes and their respective microbial and microalgal communities.

Water scarcity and emerging demands for renewable energy have increased concerns about energy security and advanced wastewater treatment, and microalgae have emerged as promising candidates to solve these problems. This study assesses the feasibility of microalgal wastewater treatment, and the utilization of the resulting microalgal biomass, as a renewable energy source. We cultured four selected microalgal species in filtered wastewater collected from the municipal treatment facility in Daegu, Republic of Korea. We measured nutrient consumption, growth rate, and physicochemical properties during cultivation, then analyzed the biomass for biochemical composition, ultimate analysis, proximate analysis, and biodiesel and lubricant properties, to estimate its potential applications. Desmodesmus sp. KNUA024 emerged as the most promising strain, removing 99.10% of ammonia nitrogen, 91.31% of total nitrogen, and 95.67% of total phosphate. Its biomass had a calorific value of 19.5 MJ kg&minus, 1, similar to terrestrial plants. &alpha, linolenic acid was the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA, 54.83%). Due to its PUFA content, Desmodesmus sp. KNUA024 also had a high iodine value, indicating its potential for use as a bio-lubricant. Therefore, Desmodesmus sp. KNUA024 shows promise for wastewater treatment, energy, and industrial applications.

본 연구는 경상북도에 위치한 하천과 호소에서 채집한 미세조류의 배양실험을 통해 영양염류 제거에 유용한 미세조류를 탐색하고, 실제 배출되는 폐수, 개인하수 및 가축분뇨 방류수에 미세조류를 접종하여 질소와 인 제거효율을 평가하고자 하였다. 조류를 채집하여 예비 배양조에서 배양한 미세조류 군집의 우점종은 Mono...

Several investigations carried out from large brackish lagoons in South Korea. However, no studies have yet examined phytoplankton in lagoons that changed to freshwater, such as Cheonjin Lake. The present study examined the algae from Cheonjin Lake. Samples were collected at monthly inetrvals from May 2017 to April 2018, from the surface layer using a plankton net (mesh size 20 μm), and sequeezing submerged macrophytes. Microscopic examinations were conducted at a magnification of 200 to 1000x using a Zeiss microscope (Axio Imager. A2), and photographs were taken with an AxioCam HRC camera. Silica-scaled samples of Chrysophyta for SEM were placed on coverglass, air dried, coated with gold, and then examined with a Hitachi SV8220 SEM. A total of 376 taxa from six major algal groups (Chlorophyta, Chrysophyta, Euglenophyta, Cyanophyta, Dinophyta, and Cryptophyta) were identified. Among these algae, 28 taxa of desmids, 9 taxa of Euglenophyceae, 4 taxa of Chlorophyceae, 2 taxa of Chrysophyceae, and 1 taxon of Xanthophyceae are reported for the first time in Korea. A new species, Cosmarium hexagonum sp. nov was described. The phytoplankton communities were characterized by an abundance of Desmids (within Charophyceae) accounted for 148 taxa from 22 genera. Species richness were particularly high in the Autumn. In this study, a total 376 taxa of 148 desmids (Charophyceae), Chlorophyceae (103 taxa), Chrysophyceae (53 taxa), Euglenophyta (49 taxa), Dinophyta (8 taxa), and Cryptophyta (2 taxa) were identified from Cheonjin Lake. Twenty-eight taxa of desmids including a new species (Cosmarium hexagonum sp. nov.), 9 taxa of Euglenophyceae, 4 taxa of Chlorophyceae, 2 taxa of Chrysophyceae, and 1 taxon of Xanthophyceae were newly recorded in Korea.

Three strains of the green microalga Botryococcus braunii (JJS, KCM, and KJD) were isolated from different water bodies in Korea and grown as batch cultures in the laboratory. The effects of different growth media and temperatures on the growth rate were investigated, as well as the effect of temperature on the total lipid content and lipid profile. All three strains had the highest growth rates in BG-11 medium and at . Maximal lipid production () was at in the JJS strain and at in the KCM and KJD strains. However, all the three strains produced the greatest percent dry weight of total lipids at and had the lowest percent dry weight of total lipids at . In general, oleic acid, linolenic acid, and behenic acid were the most common fatty acids in all three strains. However, the three strains varied considerably in their fatty acid profiles at different culture temperatures.

Species in the heterokont genus Synura are colonial and have silica scales whose ultrastructural characteristics are used for classification. We examined the ultrastructure of silica scales and molecular data (nuclear SSU rDNA and LSU rDNA, and plastid rbcL sequences) to better understand the taxonomy and phylogeny within the section Petersenianae of genus Synura. In addition, we report the first finding of newly recorded Synura species from Korea. We identified all species by examination of scale ultrastructure using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). Three newly recorded species from Korea, Synura americana, Synura conopea, and Synura truttae were described based on morphological characters, such as cell size, scale shape, scale size, keel shape, number of struts, distance between struts, degree of interconnections between struts, size of base plate pores, keel pores, base plate hole, and posterior rim. The scales of the newly recorded species, which belong to the section Petersenianae, have a well-developed keel and a characteristic number of struts on the base plate. We performed molecular phylogenetic analyses based on sequence data from three genes in 32 strains (including three outgroup species). The results provided strong statistical support that the section Petersenianae was monophyletic, and that all taxa within this section had well-developed keels and a defined number of struts on the base plate. The phylogenetic tree based on sequence data of three genes was congruent with the data on scale ultrastructure. The resulting phylogenetic tree strongly supported the existence of the section Petersenianae. In addition, we propose newly recorded Synura species from Korea based on phylogenetic analyses and morphological characters: S. americana, S. conopea, and S. truttae.

The present study summarizes the occurrence, distribution and autecology of 12 taxa of the class Cyanophyceae collected from several swamps, reservoir and highland wetlands in South Korea from 2009 to 2012. A new species, Anabaena koreana sp. nov. and 11 taxa of blue-green algae newly recorded are described and illustrated. Anabaena koreana is similar to A. oumiana, A. spiroides and A. crassa in that the trichomes form regular coils. However, A. koreana is distinguished from these three species by the morphological characteristics of the vegetative cell, heterocyst, and akinet shape and size. This study considers 12 blue-green algal species, including a new species, Anabaena koreana sp. nov. and 11 species that are recorded for the first time in the Korean freshwater algal flora. Among them, the genus Nostochopsis Wood ex Bornet et Flahault 1886 had not previously been recorded in Korea.

The present study summarized the occurrence, distribution and autecology about 31 taxa of the green algae (Chlorophytes) collected from several swamps, reservoir and highland wet-lands in the South Korea from 2010 to 2013. This paper deals with a total 31 taxa including of 26 genera which are recorded for the first time in Korea. Among these algae, 18 genera including Pyrobotrys Arnoldi, Volvulina Playfair, Dicellula Svirenko, Echinocoleum Jao & Lee, Hofmania Chodat, Gloeotila Kutzing, Tetrachlorella Korschikov, Botryospherella P.C.Silva etc., were newly recorded in Korean fresh-water algal flora.

Jo B.Y., Shin W., Kim H.S., Siver P.A. and Andersen R.A. 2013. Phylogeny of the genus Mallomonas (Synurophyceae) and descriptions five new species on the basis of morphological evidence. Phycologia...

KNUA026, was isolated from puddles of icy water in Gyeong-san City, South Korea and its potential as a biofuel feedstock was investigated. Maximal growth was obtained when the culture was incubated at 25°C and around pH 9.0. The total lipid content of the isolate was approximately 14.0 of dry %weight and it was found that strain KNUA026 was able to autotrophically synthesize heptadecane (C

The genus Mallomonas, a common and often abundant member of the planktic community in many freshwater habitats worldwide, consists of 180 species divided into 19 sections and 23 series. Classification of species is based largely on ultrastructural characteristics of the siliceous scales and bristles that collectively form a highly organized covering over the cell. However, the relative importance of the different siliceous features of the scales, such as the dome, V rib, and secondary structures, as well as the different types of scales, in understanding the evolution and phylogeny of the genus is little known. In this study, we investigated the scale and bristle ultrastructure, along with sequences of three genes, for 19 isolates (18 species) of Mallomonas (18 isolates were from Korean habitats). The isolates represented nine of the 19 sections. Sequences for both the nuclear SSU and LSU rDNA and plastid LSU of RUBISCO (rbcL) genes for each of the 19 Mallomonas isolates and four outgroups were determined. Bayesian and maximum-likelihood (ML) analyses of the data revealed that Mallomonas consists of two strongly supported clades. Mallomonas bangladeshica (E. Takah. et T. Hayak.) Siver et A. P. Wolfe was at the base of the first clade that included taxa from the sections Planae and Heterospinae, both of which lack a V rib on the shield of the scales. Our results indicated that the sections Planae and Heterospinae should be combined. The second clade, with Mallomonas insignis Penard and Mallomonas punctifera Korshikov at the base, contained taxa from the sections Mallomonas, Striatae, Akrokomae, Annulatae, Torquatae, Punctiferae, and Insignes, all of which have V ribs or well-developed marginal ribs on the scales. Sister relationships between Mallomonas and Striatae were strongly supported, but interrelations among the remaining sections were not resolved, probably due to inclusion of too few species. Our results suggest that the current classification of the genus Mallomonas at the section level will require some revision. Additional species will need to be added in future analyses.

Two dominant planktonic bloom-forming algal species in a small shallow eutrophic pond were identified as Mallomonas elongata and Synura petersenii by electron microscopy. Their growth requirements were investigated as uni-algal cultures in a laboratory study. The maximum population growth and maximum growth rate of M. elongata occurred at concentrations of 24 μM nitrate (NO3) and 5 μM phosphate (PO4) at a temperature of 15°C and a pH of 6. Synura petersenii grew maximally and exhibited the highest growth rate at a NO3 concentration of 24 μM and a PO4 concentration of 2 μM. Mallomonas elongata and S. petersenii had similar nutrient requirements for optimum growth, suggesting that the biomass of these two species can be controlled by nutrient gradients.

often form very dense blooms (Hoffmann and Wille 1992, Kim and Hwang 2001, Lee et al. 2005), which negatively affect the taste and odor of potable water (Nicholls 1995). Although the temperature, pH, conductivity and nutrients (nitro-gen and phosphorus) are primary factors controlling the distribution and seasonal occurrence of silica-scaled chrysophytes (Siver 1995), few comprehensive studies have been conducted on the growth characteristics of individual taxa. An important aspect to manage bloom formation in any group of organisms is an understand-ing of the relative importance of each environmental fac-tor in controlling the occurrence and distribution of the group in the field. Furthermore, understanding the eco-physiological growth characteristics of individual species through laboratory culture experiments is necessary to control and manage blooms. The autecological charac-teristics of specific species through culture experiments can show the influence of variable parameters such as temperature, pH, nutrients (N, P, and Si), and light on their growth and development. However, only a few stud-ies on the growth characteristics of silica-scaled chryso-phytes through

The genus Mallomonas, a common and often abundant member of the planktic community in many freshwater habitats worldwide, consists of 180 species divided into 19 sections and 23 series. Classification of species is based largely on ultrastructural characteristics of the siliceous scales and bristles that collectively form a highly organized covering over the cell. However, the relative importance of the different siliceous features of the scales, such as the dome, V rib, and secondary structures, as well as the different types of scales, in understanding the evolution and phylogeny of the genus is little known. In this study, we investigated the scale and bristle ultrastructure, along with sequences of three genes, for 19 isolates (18 species) of Mallomonas (18 isolates were from Korean habitats). The isolates represented nine of the 19 sections. Sequences for both the nuclear SSU and LSU rDNA and plastid LSU of RUBISCO (rbcL) genes for each of the 19 Mallomonas isolates and four outgroups were determined. Bayesian and maximum-likelihood (ML) analyses of the data revealed that Mallomonas consists of two strongly supported clades. Mallomonas bangladeshica (E. Takah. et T. Hayak.) Siver et A. P. Wolfe was at the base of the first clade that included taxa from the sections Planae and Heterospinae, both of which lack a V rib on the shield of the scales. Our results indicated that the sections Planae and Heterospinae should be combined. The second clade, with Mallomonas insignis Penard and Mallomonas punctifera Korshikov at the base, contained taxa from the sections Mallomonas, Striatae, Akrokomae, Annulatae, Torquatae, Punctiferae, and Insignes, all of which have V ribs or well-developed marginal ribs on the scales. Sister relationships between Mallomonas and Striatae were strongly supported, but interrelations among the remaining sections were not resolved, probably due to inclusion of too few species. Our results suggest that the current classification of the genus Mallomonas at the section level will require some revision. Additional species will need to be added in future analyses.

The diatoms are an ecologically important group of algae that have been extensively studied by ecologists and taxonomists. However, the large-scale patterns of diatom distribution and the factors under- lying this distribution are largely unknown. The aims of this study were to identify the large-scale spatial patterns of benthic diatom assemblages in Korean streams and rivers, and to assess the importance of numer- ous environmental factors on diatom distribution. We classified 720 study sites based on diatom flora. Benthic diatoms, water chemistry, altitude, and riparian land cover and use were characterized by multivariate analyses, Monte Carlo permutation tests, and indicator species analysis. In total, we identified 531 diatom taxa. Diatom assemblages were mostly dominated by species of the genera Achnanthes, Navicula, Nitzschia, Cocconeis, Fragilaria (Synedra included), Cymbella, Gomphonema, and Melosira. Cluster analysis partitioned all 720 sites into eight groups based on diatom species composition. Canonical correspondence analysis in- dicated that altitude, land cover and use, current velocity, electrical conductivity, and nutrient levels explained a significant amount of the variation in the composition of assemblages of benthic diatoms. At the national scale, a downstream ecological gradient was apparent, from fast-flowing, mostly oligotrophic highland streams to slow-flowing, mostly eutrophic lowland rivers. Our data suggest that spatial factors explain some of the variation in diatom distribution. The present investigation of the spatial patterns of benthic diatoms, the ecological determinants of diatom occurrence, and the identification of diatom indicator species contributes to development of a program for assessing the biological integrity of lotic ecosystems in Korea.

The global distribution, abundance, and diversity of microscopic freshwater algae demonstrate an ability to overcome significant barriers such as dry land and oceans by exploiting a range of biotic and abiotic colonization vectors. If these vectors are considered unlimited and colonization occurs in proportion to population size, then globally ubiquitous distributions are predicted to arise. This model contrasts with observations that many freshwater microalgal taxa possess true biogeographies. Here, using a concatenated multigene data set, we study the phylogeography of the freshwater heterokont alga Synura petersenii sensu lato. Our results suggest that this Synura morphotaxon contains both cosmopolitan and regionally endemic cryptic species, co-occurring in some cases, and masked by a common ultrastructural morphology. Phylogenies based on both proteins (seven protein-coding plastid and mitochondrial genes) and DNA (nine genes including ITS and 18S rDNA) reveal pronounced biogeographic delineations within phylotypes of this cryptic species complex while retaining one clade that is globally distributed. Relaxed molecular clock calculations, constrained by fossil records, suggest that the genus Synura is considerably older than currently proposed. The availability of tectonically relevant geological time (10⁷-10⁸ years) has enabled the development of the observed, complex biogeographic patterns. Our comprehensive analysis of freshwater algal biogeography suggests that neither ubiquity nor endemism wholly explains global patterns of microbial eukaryote distribution and that processes of dispersal remain poorly understood.

A new species of Mallomonas (Synurophyceae), Mallomonas jejuensis sp. nov., has been found in Jeju Island, South Korea. This species is placed in the series Mangoferae (section Torquatae) because it has a collar of elongated domed scales, domeless body scales, rear scales with spines and all scales ornamented with papillae. The morphological characteristics of the scales and bristle of the new species are described by EM and compared with those reported for the other species of the series Mangoferae.

We used batch cultures of three strains of the unicellular synurophyte Mallomonascaudata to investigate the effects of nitrate, phosphate, silicate and light intensity on population growth and growth rate. The three strains were isolated from three different reservoirs in Kyungpook Province, Korea. For all three strains, we observed high population growth under all nutrient concentrations studied, except at nitrate concentration below 0.8 μM. The maximum growth rate (μmax) occurred at 8.2 μM or 16.5 μM nitrate, depending on the strain, and at 11.5 μM phosphate. Silicate concentration had no effect on growth rate. With respect to light intensity, the maximum population growth and maximum growth rates (μmax) occured between 42 and 104 μmol m−2 s−1 depending on strain and culture temperature. Population growth of these three strains under batch culture occurred over a wide range of nutrient and light intensities, but there seemed to be strain-specific differences that may represent adaptations to local environments.

Three species of Mallomonas (M. crassisquama, M. elongata and M. tonsurata) were isolated from Kachang dam in Daegu, Korea and the individual species were grown as batch cultures in the laboratory. The growth characteristics of these species were investigated at different temperatures and pH. Mallomonas crassisquama exhibited the highest growth rates (μmax) at 18°C, whereas the maximum growth rates of M. elongata and M. tonsurata were observed at 21°C. The maximum growth rates of M. crassisquama and M. elongata were observed at pH 6, and M. tonsurata exhibited maximum growth rate at pH 5. Mallomonas crassisquama and M. tonsurata showed high growth rate between pH 4 and 6, and M. elongata showed high growth rate below pH 7. The three species showed similar growth characteristics except that M. elongata proliferated at a narrower temperature range and at a wider pH range than other two species.

Water quality was assessed 11 sites on the Sinchun Stream, in the region of Daegu City (South Korea), from May 2007 to March 2008 using Diatom Assemblage Index to Organic Water Pollution (DAIpo) and Trophic Diatom Index (TDI). The reference sites were unaffected by effluent from a closed mine or treated sewage and had, epilithic diatom communities that were dominated by saproxenous taxa such as Achnanthes convergens and Cocconeisplacentula var. lineata. The water quality of these sites had DAIpo values ranging between 77.5-93.8 and TDI values between 51.3-67.6, indicating β-oligosaprobic and mesotrophic environments, respectively. Study sites affected by effluent from the closed mine had epilithic diatom communities that were dominated by acidobiontic diatoms, such as Eunotia exigua and Achnanthidium minutissimum. The water quality of these sites had DAlpo values of 45.9-70.8, indicating β-mesosaprobic to α-oligosaprobic environments, whereas TDI ranged between 1.7-66.9, indicating an oligotrophic to mesotrophic environment. Downstream sites affected by the influx of mine effluent and treated sewage had many species and a high percentage of saprophilous taxa, including Fragilaria construens var. venter and Nitzschia amphibia. The water quality of these regions had DAIpo values ranging between 21.8-33.1 and TDI values between 67.5-76.7, indicating α-mesosaprobic and eutrophic environments, respectively.

A study on the dynamics of phytoplankton community and the physico-chemical environmental factors was performed biweekly from April 1998 to March 1999 in Youngchun Dam. A total 72 phytoplankton taxa was identified and dominant taxa were blue-green algae and diatoms. The highest value of phytoplankton standing crop (24,826cells·ml) was observed in September 7, 1998, the blooming period of blue-green algae Phormidium sp., while the lowest (318cells·ml) was measured in June 18, 1999. The phytoplankton communities were dominated by blue-green algae of Anabaena planktonica, Microcystis aeruginosa and Phormidium sp. during the summer and autumn periods and were dominated by diatoms of Synedra acus and Aulacoseira spp. during the spring and winter periods. Secchi disc transparency, chlorophyll-a, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and silicate concentration were varied in the ranges of 0.4-2.5 m, 2.4-32.2mg·m, 0.845-2.352mg·l, 0.005-0.093mg·l, 0.2-15.7mg·l, respectively. The trophic status of Youngchun Dam were estimated eutrophic according to Lake Trophic States Index (LTSI).

Diel vertical distribution of phytoflagellates and interactions between the phytoplankton components and environmental and biological factors were studied in a small artificial pond for three days on the December 18, 1998 and April 9 to 10, 1999. The phytoplankton population was dominated by Mallomonas akrokomos of chrysophytes and Cryptomonas marssonii and Chroomonas sp. of cryptophytes. The vertical distribution of these phytoflagellates taxa exhibited clear diel migration pattern. Moreover their migration patterns are showed differential fluctuation between M. akrokomos, C. marssonii and Chroomonas sp. The later two species upward migrated in the evening as well as night, whereas the former species migrated downward. Their distinctive migration pattern was found during the night but was not observed in the morning. During daytime C. marssonii and Chroomonas sp. showed maximum density above 2 m depth but M. akrokomos below 2 m depth. The diel vertical distribution of the dominant phytoflagellates did not show significant correlation between physical, chemical and biotic factors.

The global distribution, abundance, and diversity of microscopic freshwater algae demonstrate an ability to overcome significant barriers such as dry land and oceans by exploiting a range of biotic and abiotic colonization vectors. If these vectors are considered unlimited and colonization occurs in proportion to population size, then globally ubiquitous distributions are predicted to arise. This model contrasts with observations that many freshwater microalgal taxa possess true biogeographies. Here, using a concatenated multigene data set, we study the phylogeography of the freshwater heterokont alga Synura petersenii sensu lato. Our results suggest that this Synura morphotaxon contains both cosmopolitan and regionally endemic cryptic species, co-occurring in some cases, and masked by a common ultrastructural morphology. Phylogenies based on both proteins (seven protein-coding plastid and mitochondrial genes) and DNA (nine genes including ITS and 18S rDNA) reveal pronounced biogeographic delineations within phylotypes of this cryptic species complex while retaining one clade that is globally distributed. Relaxed molecular clock calculations, constrained by fossil records, suggest that the genus Synura is considerably older than currently proposed. The availability of tectonically relevant geological time (10⁷-10⁸ years) has enabled the development of the observed, complex biogeographic patterns. Our comprehensive analysis of freshwater algal biogeography suggests that neither ubiquity nor endemism wholly explains global patterns of microbial eukaryote distribution and that processes of dispersal remain poorly understood.

Occurence, seasonal changes and vertical distribution of the silica‐scaled chrysophytes in a small fish‐free pond were studied using electron microscopy (EM) and light microscopy (LM) from October 1998 to July 1999. The phytoplankton community was characterized by Chrysophyta and Cryptophyta. Ten species of the silica‐scaled chrysophytes of genera Mallomonas, Synura, Chrysosphaerella and Spiniferomonas were identified by EM, and the most abundant species were Mallomonas akrokomos and M. portaeferreae. The maximum population density of M. akrokomos was observed in December and several peaks appeared periodically at about one to two month intervals, whereas M. portae‐ferreae developed the maximum density in March. The diurnal vertical distribution of M. akrokomos exhibited clear downward migration at night and slightly upward migration in the morning. A complex interaction among physico‐chemical and biological factors seemed to affect the vertical distribution of M. akrokomos. However, the seasonal changes ...