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ABSTRACTUnderwater CO2vents represent natural laboratories where the responses of marine organisms to ocean acidification can be tested. In a such context, we investigated the changes in the physiology, anatomy, and ultrastructure of the non-indigenous algal species Caulerpa cylindraceagrowing along a natural pH/CO2gradient, by conducting a reciprocal transplant experiment between two populations from an acidified vs a non-acidified site. Stress effects in transplants from current to lowered pH conditions resulted in a decrease in the number of active chloroplasts together with an increased number of dilatations between thylakoid membranes and a higher amount of plastoglobules. These changes were consistent with a decrease in the chlorophyll content and in photosynthetic efficiency, matched by an increase in carotenoid content and non-photochemical yields. On the opposite side, transplants from low to current pH showed a recovery to original conditions. Unexpectedly, no significant difference was recorded between wild populations living at current and lowered pH. These results suggest an ongoing acclimation process to lowered pH in the C. cylindraceapopulations growing in the vent area. This confirms the high plasticity of this invasive species, able to cope not only with different light and temperature conditions but even with a new acidified scenario.

ABSTRACTDuring samplings aimed at isolating microalgal strains, a coccoid greyish-green alga was collected along the North Adriatic coasts (Mediterranean Sea, Italy) and grown in culture. The microalgal strain (named strain B1A) was then subjected to an integrative taxonomy approach in order to correctly identify it. Morphological and ultrastructural observations and phycobiliprotein content analysis were carried out, as well as molecular analyses based on the 18S rRNA, rbcL, psbA and plastid-encoded 23S rRNA genes. Phylogenetic placement and ultrastructural observations clearly indicated that strain B1A is a member of the red microalgal genus Dixoniella(Rhodellophyceae, Proteorhodophytina) and is distinct from the only species so far described for this taxon. Therefore, a new species was described to encompass the isolate from the North Adriatic Sea and another isolate from Japan (MF-G2), which was phylogenetically related to strain B1A: Dixoniella giordanoi sp. nov.

Wettability research was orchestrated with chemical and biological (microalgae, bacteria) characteristics in multidisciplinary assessment of different types of waters (groundwater, surface water, disinfected drinking water) from the area of Lourdes town (Haute Pyrénées Department, France). Multidisciplinary data were subjected to statistical analysis. The molecular analysis indicated that isolated cultivable bacterial strains belonging to γ-Proteobacteria significantly dominate over bacteria classified within the Flavobacteriia and β-Proteobacteria groups. The correlations between the contact angles and the chemical parameters suggest their influences on the surface tension characteristics of the waters. The relations between the contact angle and microbiological data confirm the influence of environmental conditions on the biological and surface tension parameters of the waters. Implementation of surface tensiometry technique to the study of the biological and geochemical status of groundwater has not previously been performed. This work encourages applications that aim at the assessment and understanding of groundwater ecosystems.

An undescribed marine Pyramimonas, P. australis Andreoli et Moro, sp. nov., forming a bloom in a hole of Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica) sea ice, was collected, but could not be cultured. Consequently, the description of this new species is based on light and electron microscope observations on samples that were fixed or stored at −80 °C, and its phylogenetic position inferred from nuclear-encoded small-subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) and chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene sequences. This is the third Antarctic species described for this genus. The ultrastructure of the cell is consistent with species of the subgenus Trichocystis McFadden, but differs in that it has unique body and cyst scales, and a different encystment procedure. The outermost layer of body scales is formed by flat box scales with peripheral perforations oriented parallel to the four edges and with a further eight central perforations oriented perpendicular to the peripheral ones. Crown scales, which in many other species of the genus form the outermost layer over the entire cell body, were observed in this species in the flagellar pit over the box scales. The flagella are covered by a pentagonal underlayer of scales and by limuloid scales with two subsidiary spines, in addition to the central one. Encystment begins in the flagellate form resulting in a cyst with an irregular wall bearing spine scales. Ultrastructural and molecular data confirm that P. australis belongs to the subgenus Trichocystis.

The presence, in the North Adriatic sea and in the Chioggia and Marano lagoons, of Pseliodinium vaubanii a rare dinoflagellate species, is reported. Our results showed that Pseliodinium vaubanii is a very frequent and abundant species in these environments.