Assessing Transformations of Algal Organic Matter in the Long-Term: Impacts of Humification-Like Processes

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Maud Leloup¹  Virginie Pallier²  Rudy Nicolau²  Geneviève Feuillade-Cathalifaud¹  Christopher Q. Lan² 

[1] EA 4330 Groupement de Recherche Eau, Sol, Environnement (GRESE), Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Ingénieurs de Limoges (ENSIL), University of Limoges, Parc d’ESTER Technopôle, 16 rue Atlantis, Limoges Cedex F-87068, France;

关键词: algae;    cyanobacteria;    transformation processes;    organic matter;    size fractionation;    XAD fractionation;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms160818096

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Algae and cyanobacteria are important contributors to the natural organic matter (NOM) of eutrophic water resources. The objective of this work is to increase knowledge on the modifications of algal organic matter (AOM) properties in the long term to anticipate blooms footprint in such aquatic environments. The production of AOM from an alga (Euglena gracilis) and a cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa) was followed up and characterized during the stationary phase and after one year and four months of cultivation, in batch experiments. Specific UV absorbance (SUVA) index, organic matter fractionation according to hydrophobicity and apparent molecular weight were combined to assess the evolution of AOM. A comparison between humic substances (HS) mainly derived from allochthonous origins and AOM characteristics was performed to hypothesize impacts of AOM transformation processes on the water quality of eutrophic water resources. Each AOM fraction underwent a specific evolution pattern, depending on its composition. Impacts of humification-like processes were predominant over release of biopolymers due to cells decay and led to an increase in the hydrophobic compounds part and molecular weights over time. However, the hydrophilic fraction remained the major fraction whatever the growth stage. Organic compounds generated by maturation of these precursors corresponded to large and aliphatic structures.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.