Insights into cyanobacterial blooms through the lens of omics.

Cyanobacteria are oxygen-producing photosynthetic bacteria that convert carbon dioxide into biomass upon exposure to sunlight. However, favorable conditions cause harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs), which are the dense accumulation of biomass at the water surface or subsurface, posing threats to freshwater ecosystems and human health. Understanding the mechanisms underlying cyanobacterial bloom formation is crucial for effective management. In this regard, recent advancements in omics technologies have provided valuable insights into HCBs, which have raised expectations to develop more effective control methods in the near future. This literature review aims to present the genomic architecture, adaptive mechanisms, microbial interactions, and ecological impacts of HCBs through the lens of omics. Genomic analysis indicates that the genome plasticity of cyanobacteria has enabled their resilience and effective adaptation to environmental changes. Transcriptomic investigations have revealed that cyanobacteria use various strategies for adapting to environmental stress. Additionally, metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses have emphasized the significant role of the microbial community in regulating HCBs. Finally, we offer perspectives on potential opportunities for further research in this field.

Succession of particle-attached and free-living bacterial communities in response to microalgal dynamics induced by the biological cyanocide paucibactin A.

Microalgae, including cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae, are hotspots of primary production and play a critical role in global carbon cycling. However, these species often form blooms that poses a threat to aquatic ecosystems. Although the use of bacteria-derived cyanocides is regarded as an environmentally friendly method for controlling cyanobacterial blooms, only a few studies have examined their potential impact on ecosystems. This study is the first to explore the response of particle-attached (PA) and free-living (FL) bacteria to the dynamics of microalgal communities induced by the biological cyanocide paucibactin A. The microalgal community dynamics were divided into two distinct phases [phase I (days 0-2) and phase II (days 3-7)]. In phase I, paucibactin A caused a sudden decrease in the cyanobacterial concentration. Phase II was characterized by increased growth of eukaryotic microalgae (Scenedesmus, Pediastrum, Selenastrum, and Coelastrum). The stability of the bacterial community and the contribution of stochastic processes to community assembly were more pronounced in phase II than in phase I. The microalgal dynamics triggered by paucibactin A coincided with the succession of the PA and FL bacterial communities. The lysis of cyanobacteria in phase I favored the growth of microbial organic matter degraders in both the PA (e.g., Aeromonas and Rheinheimera) and FL (e.g., Vogesella) bacterial communities. In phase II, Lacibacter, Phycisphaeraceae, and Hydrogenophaga in the PA bacterial community and Lacibacter, Peredibacter, and Prosthecobacter in the FL bacterial community showed increased relative abundances. Overall, the FL bacterial community exhibited greater sensitivity to the two sequential processes compared with the PA bacterial community. These results highlight the need for studies evaluating the impact of biological cyanocides on aquatic ecosystems when used to control natural cyanobacterial blooms.

Effect of rainfall in shaping microbial community during Microcystis bloom in Nakdong River, Korea.

Various environmental factors play a role in the formation and collapse of Microcystis blooms. This study investigates the impact of heavy rainfall on cyanobacterial abundance, microbial community composition, and functional dynamics in the Nakdong River, South Korea, during typical and exceptionally rainy years. The results reveal distinct responses to rainfall variations, particularly in cyanobacterial dominance and physicochemical characteristics. In 2020, characterized by unprecedented rainfall from mid-July to August, Microcystis blooms were interrupted significantly, exhibiting lower cell densities and decreased water temperature, compared to normal bloom patterns in 2019. Moreover, microbial community composition varied, with increases in Gammaproteobacteria and notably in genera of Limnohabitans and Fluviicola. These alterations in environmental conditions and bacterial community were similar to those of the post-bloom period in late September 2019. It shows that heavy rainfall during summer leads to changes in environmental factors, consequently causing shifts in bacterial communities akin to those observed during the autumn-specific post-bloom period in typical years. These changes also accompany shifts in bacterial functions, primarily involved in the degradation of organic matter such as amino acids, fatty acids, and terpenoids, which are assumed to have been released due to the significant collapse of cyanobacteria. Our results demonstrate that heavy rainfall in early summer induces changes in the environmental factors and subsequently microbial communities and their functions, similar to those of the post-bloom period in autumn, leading to the earlier breakdown of Microcystis blooms.

Sphingobium cyanobacteriorum sp. nov., isolated from fresh water.

A novel Gram-stain-negative, yellow-pigmented, short rod-shaped bacterial strain, HBC34T, was isolated from a freshwater sample collected from Daechung Reservoir, Republic of Korea. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that HBC34T was affiliated with the genus Sphingobium and shared the highest sequence similarity to the type strains of Sphingobium vermicomposti (98.01 %), Sphingobium psychrophilum (97.87 %) and Sphingobium rhizovicinum (97.59 %). The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridisation (dDDH) values between HBC34T and species of the genus Sphingobium with validly published names were below 84.01 and 28.1 %, respectively. These values were lower than the accepted species-delineation thresholds, supporting its recognition as representing a novel species of the genus Sphingobium. The major fatty acids (>10 % of the total fatty acids) were identified as summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c) and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c). The main polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, two phospholipids and two unidentified polar lipids. The respiratory quinone was Q-10. The genomic DNA G+C content of HBC34T was 64.04 %. The polyphasic evidence supports the classification of HBC34T as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Sphingobium, for which the name Sphingobium cyanobacteriorum sp. nov is proposed. The type strain is HBC34T (= KCTC 8002T= LMG 33140T).

Genomic Insights into Paucibacter aquatile DH15, a Cyanobactericidal Bacterium, and Comparative Genomics of the Genus Paucibacter.

Microcystis blooms threaten ecosystem function and cause substantial economic losses. Microorganism-based methods, mainly using cyanobactericidal bacteria, are considered one of the most ecologically sound methods to control Microcystis blooms. This study focused on gaining genomic insights into Paucibacter aquatile DH15 that exhibited excellent cyanobactericidal effects against Microcystis. Additionally, a pan-genome analysis of the genus Paucibacter was conducted to enhance our understanding of the ecophysiological significance of this genus. Based on phylogenomic analyses, strain DH15 was classified as a member of the species Paucibacter aquatile. The genome analysis supported that strain DH15 can effectively destroy Microcystis, possibly due to the specific genes involved in the flagellar synthesis, cell wall degradation, and the production of cyanobactericidal compounds. The pan-genome analysis revealed the diversity and adaptability of the genus Paucibacter, highlighting its potential to absorb external genetic elements. Paucibacter species were anticipated to play a vital role in the ecosystem by potentially providing essential nutrients, such as vitamins B7, B12, and heme, to auxotrophic microbial groups. Overall, our findings contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of cyanobactericidal bacteria against Microcystis and shed light on the ecological significance of the genus Paucibacter.

Comparative Genome analysis of the Genus Curvibacter and the Description of Curvibacter microcysteis sp. nov. and Curvibacter cyanobacteriorum sp. nov., Isolated from Fresh Water during the Cyanobacterial Bloom Period.

The three Gram-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive bacterial strains RS43T, HBC28, and HBC61T, were isolated from fresh water and subjected to a polyphasic study. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequence initially indicated that strains RS43T, HBC28, and HBC61T were closely related to species of genus Curvibacter and shared the highest sequence similarity of 98.14%, 98.21%, and 98.76%, respectively, with Curvibacter gracilis 7-1T. Phylogenetic analysis based on genome sequences placed all strains within the genus Curvibacter. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between the three strains and related type strains supported their recognition as two novel genospecies in the genus Curvibacter. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the genus possessed an open pangenome. Based on KEGG BlastKOALA analyses, Curvibacter species have the potential to metabolize benzoate, phenylacetate, catechol, and salicylate, indicating their potential use in the elimination of these compounds from the water systems. The results of polyphasic characterization indicated that strain RS43T and HBC61T represent two novel species, for which the name Curvibacter microcysteis sp. nov. (type strain RS43T =KCTC 92793T=LMG 32714T) and Curvibacter cyanobacteriorum sp. nov. (type strain HBC61T =KCTC 92794T =LMG 32713T) are proposed.

Dynamic response of bacterial communities to Microcystis blooms: A three-year study.

Although nutrient availability is widely recognized as the driving force behind Microcystis blooms, identifying the microorganisms that play a pivotal role in their formation is a challenging task. Our understanding of the contribution of bacterial communities to the development of Microcystis blooms remains incomplete, despite the fact that the relationship between Microcystis and bacterial communities has been extensively investigated. Most studies have focused on their interaction for a single year rather than for multiple years. To determine key bacteria crucial for the formation of Microcystis blooms, we collected samples from three sites in the Daechung Reservoir (Chuso, Hoenam, and Janggye) over three years (2017, 2019, and 2020). Our results indicated that Microcystis bloom-associated bacterial communities were more conserved across stations than across years. Bacterial communities could be separated into modules corresponding to the different phases of Microcystis blooms. Dolichospermum and Aphanizomenon belonged to the same module, whereas the module of Microcystis was distinct. The microbial recurrent association network (MRAN) showed that amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) directly linked to Microcystis belonged to Pseudanabaena, Microscillaceae, Sutterellaceae, Flavobacterium, Candidatus Aquiluna, Bryobacter, and DSSD61. These ASVs were also identified as key indicators of the bloom stage, indicating that they were fundamental biological elements in the development of Microcystis blooms. Overall, our study highlights that, although bacterial communities change annually, they continue to share core ASVs that may be crucial for the formation and maintenance of Microcystis blooms.

Mucilaginibacter straminoryzae sp. nov., isolated from rice straw used for growing periphyton.

A rod-shaped, non-motile, Gram-negative bacterium, strain RS28T, was isolated from rice straw used as material for periphyton growth. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain RS28T was affiliated with the genus Mucilaginibacter and had the highest sequence similarity to Mucilaginibacter ginkgonis HMF7856T (96.47 %) and Mucilaginibacter polytrichastri DSM 26907T (96.12 %). Strain RS28T was found to grow at pH 5.5-8.0, 17-40 °C and in the presence of 0-1.5 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain RS28T contained summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c), iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids (> 10.0 %). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified phospholipids, two unidentified aminophospholipids, three unidentified aminolipids and one unidentified lipid. The respiratory quinone was menaquinone 7. The genomic DNA G+C content was 44.7 mol%. Strain RS28T possessed six putative secondary metabolite gene clusters involved in the synthesis of resorcinol, NRPS-like, terpene, lassopeptide, T3PKS and arylpolyene. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic characteristics, strain RS28T represents a novel species of the genus Mucilaginibacter, for which the name Mucilaginibacter straminoryzae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RS28T (=KCTC 92039T=LMG 32424T).

How do freshwater microalgae and cyanobacteria respond to antibiotics?

Antibiotic pollution is an emerging environmental challenge. Residual antibiotics from various sources, including municipal and industrial wastewater, sewage discharges, and agricultural runoff, are continuously released into freshwater environments, turning them into reservoirs that contribute to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance. Thus, it is essential to understand the impacts of antibiotic residues on aquatic organisms, especially microalgae and cyanobacteria, due to their crucial roles as primary producers in the ecosystem. This review summarizes the effects of antibiotics on major biological processes in freshwater microalgae and cyanobacteria, including photosynthesis, oxidative stress, and the metabolism of macromolecules. Their adaptive mechanisms to antibiotics exposure, such as biodegradation, bioadsorption, and bioaccumulation, are also discussed. Moreover, this review highlights the important factors affecting the antibiotic removal pathways by these organisms, which will promote the use of microalgae-based technology for the removal of antibiotics. Finally, we offer some perspectives on the opportunities for further studies and applications.

Algicidal activity of a novel bacterium, Qipengyuania sp. 3-20A1M, against harmful Margalefidinium polykrikoides: Effects of its active compound.

Margalefidinium polykrikoides causes significant economic losses in the aquaculture industry by red tide formation. Algicidal bacteria have attracted research interests as a potential bloom control approach without secondary pollution. Qipengyuania sp. 3-20A1M, isolated from surface seawater, exerted an algicidal effect on M. polykrikoides. However, it exhibited a significantly lower algicidal activity toward other microalgae. It reduced photosynthetic efficiency of M. polykrikoides and induced lipid peroxidation and cell disruption. The growth inhibition of M. polykrikoides reached 64.9 % after 24 h of co-culturing, and expression of photosynthesis-related genes was suppressed. It killed M. polykrikoides indirectly by secreting algicidal compounds. The algicide was purified and identified as pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid. After 24 h of treatment with pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid (20 µg/mL), 60.8 % of the M. polykrikoides cells were destroyed. Overall, our results demonstrated the potential utility of Qipengyuania sp. 3-20A1M and its algicidal compound in controlling M. polykrikoides blooms in the marine ecosystem.

Mucilaginibacter aquariorum sp. nov., Isolated from Fresh Water.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacterial strain, JC4T, was isolated from a freshwater sample and determined the taxonomic position. Initial identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain JC4T is affiliated to the genus Mucilaginibacter with a sequence similarity of 97.97% to Mucilaginibacter rigui WPCB133T. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain JC4T and Mucilaginibacter species were estimated below 80.92% and 23.9%, respectively. Strain JC4T contained summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c) and iso-C15:0 as predominant cellular fatty acids. The dominant polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminophospholipid, one unidentified phospholipid, and two unidentified lipids. The respiratory quinone was MK-7. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain JC4T was determined to be 42.44%. The above polyphasic evidences support that strain JC4T represents a novel species of the genus Mucilaginibacter, for which the name Mucilaginibacter aquariorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JC4T (= KCTC 92230T = LMG 32715T).

The cyanobactericidal bacterium Paucibacter aquatile DH15 caused the decline of Microcystis and aquatic microbial community succession: A mesocosm study.

Microcystis blooms pose a major threat to the quality of drinking water. Cyanobactericidal bacteria have attracted much attention in the research community as a vehicle for controlling Microcystis blooms because of their ecological safety. Nonetheless, most studies on cyanobactericidal bacteria have been conducted on a laboratory scale but have not been scaled-up as field experiments. Thus, our understanding of the microbial response to cyanobactericidal bacteria in natural ecosystems remains elusive. Herein, we applied Paucibacter aquatile DH15 to control Microcystis blooms in a 1000 L mesocosm experiment and demonstrated its potential with the following results: (1) DH15 reduced Microcystis cell density by 90.7% within two days; (2) microcystins released by Microcystis death decreased to the control level in four days; (3) during the cyanobactericidal processes, the physicochemical parameters of water quality remained safe for other aquatic organisms; and (4) the cyanobactericidal processes promoted the growth of eukaryotic microalgae, replacing cyanobacteria. The cyanobactericidal processes accelerated turnover rates, decreased stability, and altered the functional profile of the microbial community. Network analysis demonstrated that this process resulted in more complex interactions between microbes. Overall, our findings suggest that strain DH15 could be considered a promising candidate for controlling Microcystis blooms in an eco-friendly manner.

Microcystis colony formation: Extracellular polymeric substance, associated microorganisms, and its application.

Microcystis sp., amongst the most prevalent bloom-forming cyanobacteria, is typically found as a colonial form with multiple microorganisms embedded in the mucilage known as extracellular polymeric substance. The colony-forming ability of Microcystis has been thoroughly investigated, as has the connection between Microcystis and other microorganisms, which is crucial for colony development. The following are the key subjects to comprehend Microcystis bloom in depth: 1) key issues related to the Microcystis bloom, 2) features and functions of extracellular polymeric substance, as well as diversity of associated microorganisms, and 3) applications of Microcystis-microorganisms interaction including bloom control, polluted water bioremediation, and bioactive compound production. Future research possibilities and recommendations regarding Microcystis-microorganism interactions and their significance in Microcystis colony formation are also explored. More information on such interactions, as well as the mechanism of Microcystis colony formation, can bring new insights into cyanobacterial bloom regulation and a better understanding of the aquatic ecosystem.

An acceleration of carotenoid production and growth of Haematococcus lacustris induced by host-microbiota network interaction.

Haematococcus lacustris is a chlamydomonadalean with high biotechnological interest owing to its capacity to produce astaxanthin, a valuable secondary carotenoid with extraordinary antioxidation properties. However, its prolonged growth has limited its utility commercially. Thus, rapid growth to attain high densities of H. lacustris cells optimally producing astaxanthin is an essential biotechnological target to facilitate profitable commercialisation. Our study focused on characterising the bacterial communities associated with the alga's phycosphere by metagenomics. Subsequently, we altered the bacterial consortia in combined co-culture with key beneficial bacteria to optimise the growth of H. lacustris. The algal biomass increased by up to 2.1-fold in co-cultures, leading to a 1.6-fold increase in the astaxanthin yield. This study attempted to significantly improve the H. lacustris growth rate and biomass yield via Next-Generation Sequencing analysis and phycosphere bacterial augmentation, highlighting the possibility to overcome the hurdles associated with astaxanthin production by H. lacustris at a commercial scale.

Algicide capacity of Paucibacter aquatile DH15 on Microcystis aeruginosa by attachment and non-attachment effects.

The excessive proliferation of Microcystis aeruginosa can lead to ecological damage, economic losses, and threaten animal and human health. For controlling Microcystis blooms, microorganism-based methods have attracted much attention from researchers because of their eco-friendliness and species-specificity. Herein, we first found that a Paucibacter strain exhibits algicidal activity against M. aeruginosa and microcystin degradation capability. The algicidal activity of DH15 (2.1 × 104 CFU/ml) against M. aeruginosa (2 × 106 cells/ml) was 94.9% within 36 h of exposure. DH15 also degraded microcystin (1.6 mg/L) up to 62.5% after 72 h. We demonstrated that the algicidal activity of DH15 against M. aeruginosa can be mediated by physical attachment and indirect attack: (1) Both washed cells and cell-free supernatant could kill M. aeruginosa efficiently; (2) Treatment with DH15 cell-free supernatants caused oxidative stress, altered the fatty acid profile, and damaged photosynthetic system, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism in M. aeruginosa. The combination of direct and indirect attacks supported that strain DH15 exerts high algicidal activity against M. aeruginosa. The expression of most key genes responsible for photosynthesis, antioxidant activity, microcystin synthesis, and other metabolic pathways in M. aeruginosa was downregulated. Strain DH15, with its microcystin degradation capacity, can overcome the trade-off between controlling Microcystis blooms and increasing microcystin concentration. Our findings suggest that strain DH15 possesses great potential to control outbreaks of Microcystis blooms.

Caenimonas aquaedulcis sp. nov., Isolated from Freshwater of Daechung Reservoir during Microcystis Bloom.

A Gram-stain-negative, white-coloured, and rod-shaped bacterium, strain DR4-4T, was isolated from Daechung Reservoir, Republic of Korea, during Microcystis bloom. Strain DR4-4T was most closely related to Caenimonas terrae SGM1-15T and Caenimonas koreensis EMB320T with 98.1% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain DR4-4T and closely related type strains were below 79.46% and 22.30%, respectively. The genomic DNA G+C content was 67.5%. The major cellular fatty acids (≥10% of the total) were identified as C16:0, cyclo C17:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c), and summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c). Strain DR4-4T possessed phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylglycerol as the main polar lipids and Q-8 as the respiratory quinone. The polyamine profile was composed of putrescine, cadaverine, and spermidine. The results of polyphasic characterization indicated that the isolated strain DR4-4T represents a novel species within the genus Caenimonas, for which the name Caenimonas aquaedulcis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DR4-4T (=KCTC 82470T =JCM 34453T).

Cochlodiniinecator piscidefendens gen. nov., sp. nov., an algicidal bacterium against the ichthyotoxic dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides.

Harmful algal blooms caused by Cochlodinium polykrikoides result in enormous economic damage to the aquaculture industry. Biological control methods have attracted wide attention due to their environmental-friendliness. In this study, a novel algicidal bacterium, designated strain M26A2MT, was determined for its taxonomic position and was evaluated for its potential to mitigate C. polykrikoides blooms. Strain M26A2MT exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strains of Planktotalea lamellibrachiae (97.3%), Halocynthiibacter namhaensis (97.2%), Pseudohalocynthiibacter aestuariivivens (96.8%) and Halocynthiibacter arcticus (96.4%) in the family Rhodobacteraceae. The predominant fatty acids were C10 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid and three unidentified lipids. Q-10 was the respiratory quinone. Strain M26A2MT exerted significant algicidal activity against C. polykrikoides cells by destroying the membrane integrity and the photosynthetic system. Our findings suggest that strain M26A2MT shows a high potential to control outbreaks of C. polykrikoides. Based on the polyphasic characterization, strain M26A2MT is considered to represent a novel species within a novel genus of the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which the name Cochlodiniinecator piscidefendens gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M26A2MT (=KCTC 82083T=JCM 34119T).

Successful Rescue of Wild Trametes versicolor Strains Using Sawdust and Rice Husk-based Substrate.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Trametes versicolor</i> has not only been valued in medical use but also in environmental protection. One of the major challenges currently faced in the commercial cultivation of <i>T. versicolor</i> is finding superior strains that can produce high yields. In an attempt to search for high-yield potential <i>T. versicolor</i>, two wild strains, namely VNUA and BV, were isolated and evaluated for potential cultivation. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Optimized culture conditions were set up by one-individual factor-at-a-time. Four different kinds of culture media, including Czapek, Raper, PGA and modified Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), were investigated to ascertain the optimal media. The efficiency of sawdust and rice grain for mother spawn production was evaluated. Different combinations of sawdust and rice husk were tested to investigate the most favorable substrate mixtures. <b>Results:</b> The ideal medium and temperature for the favorable mycelial growth of <i>T. versicolor</i> were PGA and 30°C, respectively. The optimal spawning material for upscaling of the mycelium was Treatment D (20% rice grain, 79% sawdust and 1% calcium carbonate). The strains were successfully cultivated in a basal substrate combination of sawdust and rice husk supplemented with wheat bran. Investigated strains responded differently to different substrates cultivation. Of note, compared with strain BV, strain VNUA showed a significantly higher biological efficiency (7.3%). <b>Conclusion:</b> Wild <i>T. versicolor</i> strains were successfully fructified under artificial cultivation conditions. Strain VNUA can be considered as a potential strain for commercial cultivation. The use of sawdust for the spawn production of <i>T. versicolor</i> can reduce the cost of manufacturing.

Mariniflexile maritimum sp. nov., isolated from seawater of the South Sea in the Republic of Korea.

A novel Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic, non-motile bacterial strain, designated M5A1MT, was isolated from seawater collected from the South Sea of the Republic of Korea. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain M5A1MT was closely related to Mariniflexile gromovii KMM 6038T (95.3 %), Mariniflexile fucanivorans SW5T (95.2 %), Mariniflexile soesokkakense RSSK-9T (95.1 %), Yeosuana aromativorans GW1-1T (94.6 %) and Confluentibacter lentus HJM-3T (94.6 %). Genome-based phylogenetic analyses revealed that strain M5A1MT formed a distinct cluster with the type strains of the genus Mariniflexile. The major cellular fatty acid constituents (>5 % of the total fatty acids) were iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C16:03-OH and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The respiratory quinone was identified as MK-6. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and one unidentified polar lipid. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain M5A1MT was determined to be 37.7 mol%. On the basis of its phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain M5A1MT is considered to represent a novel species within the genus Mariniflexile, for which the name Mariniflexile maritimum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M5A1MT (=KCTC 72895T=JCM 33982T).

Two-step microalgal (Coelastrella sp.) treatment of raw piggery wastewater resulting in higher lipid and triacylglycerol levels for possible production of higher-quality biodiesel.

Microalgal treatment of undiluted raw piggery wastewater is challenging due to ammonia toxicity and a deep dark color hampering photosynthesis. To overcome these problems, (1) a microalga (Coelastrella sp.) was isolated from an ammonia-rich environment, (2) the wastewater treatment was divided into two steps: a heterotrophic process followed by a mixotrophic process, and (3) a narrower transparent photobioreactor was employed with higher light intensity in the mixotrophic process. Coelastrella sp. removed 99% of ammonia, 92% of chemical oxygen demand (COD), and 100% of phosphorus during the 4-day process. Acetate in the wastewater relieved the ammonia stress on microalgae and promoted algal lipid and triacylglycerol productivity. Oxidative stability and low-temperature fluidity of triacylglycerols in lipids were improved by means of an altered fatty acid profile. Aside from the overall microalgal treatment performance, the proposed processing of piggery wastewater yielded a material suitable for possible production of algal biodiesel of better quality.