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The diatom genus Chaetoceros is one of the most abundant and diverse phytoplankton in marine and brackish waters worldwide. Within this genus, Chaetoceros socialis has been cited as one of the most common species. However, recent studies from different geographic areas have shown the presence of pseudo-cryptic diversity within the C. socialis complex. Members of this complex are characterized by curved chains (primary colonies) aggregating into globular clusters, where one of the four setae of each cell curves toward the center of the cluster and the other three orient outwards. New light and electron microscopy observations as well as molecular data on marine planktonic diatoms from the coastal waters off Chile revealed the presence of two new species, Chaetoceros sporotruncatus sp. nov. and C. dichatoensis. sp. nov. belonging to the C. socialis complex. The two new species are similar to other members of the complex (i.e., C. socialis and C. gelidus) in the primary and secondary structure of the colony, the orientation pattern of the setae, and the valve ultrastructure. The only morphological characters that can be used to differentiate the species of this complex are aspects related to resting spore morphology. The two newly described species are closely related to each other and form a sister clade to C. gelidus in molecular phylogenies. We also provide a phylogenetic status along with the morphological characterization of C. radicans and C. cintus, which are genetically related to the C. socialis complex.

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A sulfated polysaccharide extracted from Navicula sp. presented a yield of 4.4 (% w/w dry biomass basis). Analysis of the polysaccharide using gas chromatography showed that this polysaccharide contained glucose (29%), galactose (21%), rhamnose (10%), xylose (5%) and mannose (4%). This polysaccharide presented an average molecular weight of 107 kDa. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed that the lyophilized Navicula sp. polysaccharide is an amorphous solid with particles of irregular shapes and sharp angles. The polysaccharide at 1% (w/v) solution in water formed gels in the presence of 0.4% (w/v) FeCl3, showing elastic and viscous moduli of 1 and 0.7 Pa, respectively. SEM analysis performed on the lyophilized gel showed a compact pore structure, with a pore size of approximately 150 nm. Very few studies on the gelation of sulfated polysaccharides using trivalent ions exist in the literature, and, to the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to describe the gelation of sulfated polysaccharides extracted from Navicula sp.

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The macro-epibiotic communities of sea turtles have been subject to growing interest in recent years, yet their micro-epibiotic counterparts are almost entirely unknown. Here, we provide the first evidence that diatoms are epibionts for all seven extant species of sea turtle. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy, we inspected superficial carapace or skin samples from a single representative of each turtle species. We distinguished 18 diatom taxa from these seven individuals, with each sea turtle species hosting at least two diatom taxa. We recommend that future research is undertaken to confirm whether diatom communities vary between sea turtle species and whether these diatom taxa are facultative or obligate commensals.

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Amphoroid taxa have been revised in recent decades. Many species formerly assigned to Amphora have been transferred to other recently proposed genera, as Seminavis (Naviculaceae) and Halamphora (Catenulaceae). In Brazil, there are few studies focused on amphoroid taxonomy. This study presents a taxonomic investigation of five uncommon amphoroid taxa from Brazilian diatom flora: Seminavis pusilla, S. strigosa, Amphora ectorii, Halamphora ghanensis and Halamphora sp. Seminavis strigosa is identical in valve morphology and morphometrical data to Amphora twenteana, and its synonymy is proposed. Seminavis pusilla, poorly found in Brazilian waters, has expanded its distribution. Halamphora ghanensis is a new record to American continent while Amphora ectorii are new to Brazilian aquatic systems. Halamphora sp. has distinct ultrastructural features in relation to similar species and is probably new for science.

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The genus Nupela comprises ca. 50 species that generally have a distribution restricted by bioclimatic frontiers. As part of an integrated analysis of the diatom flora of Colombia, in this study we focused our interest on the genus Nupela from lowland waters. Periphyton samples were collected from 150 sites of lotic water bodies in Colombia, taking into account hidrogeomorfological variability. In each sampling station, periphyton samples were obtained by scraping, and temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and conductivity variables were measured. Samples were processed by both light microscopy (LM; Carl Zeiss Axio Scope.A1) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM; FEI-Quanta 450 and a Jeol JSM-6360 LV). The genus Nupela was found in 28 sites. Five taxa were identified, described and illustrated from tropical or subtropical environments: N. lesothensis, N. praecipua y N. subpallavicinii; these were new records for Colombia, and N. acaciensis and N. catatumbensis two new species for science. N. acaciensis is characterized by raphe branches of both valves equally long combined with cymbelloid symmetry, striae built by 2 transapically elongated areolae that delimit a longitudinal line at each hemivalve. N. catatumbensis is characterized by the presence of a well developed raphe in both valves; valves lanceolate with subcapitated to capitated ends and cymbelloid symmetry, striae built by 3-4 transapically elongated areolae, interestriae elevated as transapical ribs and internal proximal raphe ends hook-shaped. The genus Nupela was widely distributed in the studied basins but showed different distribution patterns: N. acaciensis and N. subpallavicini had a restricted distribution, while N. catatumbensis, N. lesothensis and N. praecipua had a wider distribution, and were collected in sites with significant variations in their ecomorphology, altitude, temperature, pH and electrolyte content.

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The genus Nupela comprises ca. 50 species that generally have a distribution restricted by bioclimatic frontiers. As part of an integrated analysis of the diatom flora of Colombia, in this study we focused our interest on the genus Nupela from lowland waters. Periphyton samples were collected from 150 sites of lotic water bodies in Colombia, taking into account hidrogeomorfological variability. In each sampling station, periphyton samples were obtained by scraping, and temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and conductivity variables were measured. Samples were processed by both light microscopy (LM; Carl Zeiss Axio Scope.A1) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM; FEI-Quanta 450 and a Jeol JSM-6360 LV). The genus Nupela was found in 28 sites. Five taxa were identified, described and illustrated from tropical or subtropical environments: N. lesothensis, N. praecipua y N. subpallavicinii; these were new records for Colombia, and N. acaciensis and N. catatumbensis two new species for science. N. acaciensis is characterized by raphe branches of both valves equally long combined with cymbelloid symmetry, striae built by 2 transapically elongated areolae that delimit a longitudinal line at each hemivalve. N. catatumbensis is characterized by the presence of a well developed raphe in both valves; valves lanceolate with subcapitated to capitated ends and cymbelloid symmetry, striae built by 3-4 transapically elongated areolae, interestriae elevated as transapical ribs and internal proximal raphe ends hook-shaped. The genus Nupela was widely distributed in the studied basins but showed different distribution patterns: N. acaciensis and N. subpallavicini had a restricted distribution, while N. catatumbensis, N. lesothensis and N. praecipua had a wider distribution, and were collected in sites with significant variations in their ecomorphology, altitude, temperature, pH and electrolyte content.

El género Nupela comprende alrededor de 50 especies que tienen en general una distribución restringida por fronteras bioclimáticas. Como parte de un estudio integral de la flora diatomológica de Colombia, en este trabajo focalizamos nuestro interés en el género Nupela en cuerpos de agua de tierras bajas. Muestras de perifiton fueron recolectadas en 150 sitios en cuerpos de agua lóticos seleccionados por su variabilidad hidrogeomorfológica. En cada estación de muestreo se obtuvieron muestras por raspado de varios sustratos, y adicionalmente se registraron: temperatura, pH, oxígeno disuelto y conductividad. Las muestras fueron procesadas para su análisis con microscopio óptico (MO, Carl Zeiss Axio Scope. A1) y de barrido (MEB; FEI- Quanta 450 and a Jeol JSM-6360 LV). El género Nupela fue hallado en 28 sitios. Cinco especies fueron identificadas, descritas e ilustradas, tres de ellas: N. lesothensis, N. praecipua y N. subpallavicinii fueron descritas para ambientes tropicales y subtropicales y representan nuevas citas para Colombia. Además fueron descritas N. acaciensis y N. catatumbensis, dos especies nuevas para la ciencia. N. acaciensis se caracteriza por poseer rafe desarrollado en ambas valvas, simetría cymbelloide, estrías formadas por dos aréolas transapicalmente alargadas que definen una línea longitudinal en cada hemivalva. N. catatumbensis se caracteriza poseer rafe desarrollado en ambas valvas. Valvas lanceoladas con extremos subcapitados a capitados y simetría cymbelloide. Estrías formadas por 3-4 aréolas transapicalmente alargadas, interestrías elevadas a modo de costillas transapicales y extremos proximales internos del rafe en forma de gancho. El género Nupela estuvo ampliamente representado en el área de estudio, sin embargo, las especies mostraron diferentes patrones de distribución. N. acaciensis y N. subpallavicini estuvieron presentes en una única cuenca, mientras que N. catatumbensis, N. lesothensis y N. praecipua presentaron una distribución más amplia, y fueron recolectadas en sitios con variaciones significativas en ecomorfología, altitud, temperatura, pH y contenido electrolítico.

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Diatom cultures of the G. parvulum species complex were established from seven different sites in the Faroe Islands, Sweden, Germany, Mexico and Korea, and were studied in detail. Eight morphodemes were identified which corresponded to the descriptions of the cosmopolitan taxon G. parvulum (Kützing) Kützing sensu lato: its nominate variety (var. parvulum), G. parvulum var. exilissimum Grunow and G. parvulum f. saprophilum Lange-Bertalot & Reichardt, G. [parvulum var.] lagenula Kützing plus four unidentifiable morphodemes. The concatenated analysis of the sequences of the markers 18SV4, rbcL, and ITS as well as morphological data resulted in a separation of four taxa based on their biogeography in Mexico, Korea, central Continental Europe and Northern Atlantic Europe. Mantel tests showed a significant correlation between molecular and geographical distances. The diagnoses of two taxa, G. parvulum sensu stricto, and G. lagenula, were emended, G. saprophilum elevated to species rank and epitypes designated. One species was newly described.

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Amphoroid taxa have been revised in recent decades. Many species formerly assigned to Amphora have been transferred to other recently proposed genera, as Seminavis (Naviculaceae) and Halamphora (Catenulaceae). In Brazil, there are few studies focused on amphoroid taxonomy. This study presents a taxonomic investigation of five uncommon amphoroid taxa from Brazilian diatom flora: Seminavis pusilla, S. strigosa, Amphora ectorii, Halamphora ghanensis and Halamphora sp. Seminavis strigosa is identical in valve morphology and morphometrical data to Amphora twenteana, and its synonymy is proposed. Seminavis pusilla, poorly found in Brazilian waters, has expanded its distribution. Halamphora ghanensis is a new record to American continent while Amphora ectorii are new to Brazilian aquatic systems. Halamphora sp. has distinct ultrastructural features in relation to similar species and is probably new for science.(AU)

Táxons anforóides foram revisados nas últimas décadas. Várias espécies, previamente atribuídas a Amphora, foram transferidas para outros gêneros recentemente propostos, tais como Seminavis (Naviculaceae) e Halamphora (Catenulaceae). No Brasil, há poucos estudos com foco na taxonomia das diatomáceas anforóides. Este estudo apresenta uma investigação taxonômica de cinco táxons do grupo, incomuns na diatomoflora brasileira: Seminavis pusilla, S. strigosa, Amphora ectorii, Halamphora ghanensis e Halamphora sp. Seminavis strigosa é idêntica em morfologia e métrica da valva à Amphora twenteana, e a sinonimização destas espécies é proposta. Seminavis pusilla, raramente encontrada em águas brasileiras, tem a sua distribuição ampliada. Halamphora ghanensis é um novo registro para o continente Americano, enquanto Amphora ectorii é uma novidade para sistemas aquáticos brasileiros. Halamphora sp. possui características ultraestruturais distintas em relação a espécies similares e provavelmente seja uma nova espécie para a ciência.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Amphoroid taxa have been revised in recent decades. Many species formerly assigned to Amphora have been transferred to other recently proposed genera, as Seminavis (Naviculaceae) and Halamphora (Catenulaceae). In Brazil, there are few studies focused on amphoroid taxonomy. This study presents a taxonomic investigation of five uncommon amphoroid taxa from Brazilian diatom flora: Seminavis pusilla, S. strigosa, Amphora ectorii, Halamphora ghanensis and Halamphora sp. Seminavis strigosa is identical in valve morphology and morphometrical data to Amphora twenteana, and its synonymy is proposed. Seminavis pusilla, poorly found in Brazilian waters, has expanded its distribution. Halamphora ghanensis is a new record to American continent while Amphora ectorii are new to Brazilian aquatic systems. Halamphora sp. has distinct ultrastructural features in relation to similar species and is probably new for science.

Táxons anforóides foram revisados nas últimas décadas. Várias espécies, previamente atribuídas a Amphora, foram transferidas para outros gêneros recentemente propostos, tais como Seminavis (Naviculaceae) e Halamphora (Catenulaceae). No Brasil, há poucos estudos com foco na taxonomia das diatomáceas anforóides. Este estudo apresenta uma investigação taxonômica de cinco táxons do grupo, incomuns na diatomoflora brasileira: Seminavis pusilla, S. strigosa, Amphora ectorii, Halamphora ghanensis e Halamphora sp. Seminavis strigosa é idêntica em morfologia e métrica da valva à Amphora twenteana, e a sinonimização destas espécies é proposta. Seminavis pusilla, raramente encontrada em águas brasileiras, tem a sua distribuição ampliada. Halamphora ghanensis é um novo registro para o continente Americano, enquanto Amphora ectorii é uma novidade para sistemas aquáticos brasileiros. Halamphora sp. possui características ultraestruturais distintas em relação a espécies similares e provavelmente seja uma nova espécie para a ciência.

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The species originally described from brackish waters of the Venetian Lagoon as Nitzschia persuadens is a diatom rarely cited in the literature since its proposition and it is here recorded for the first time in a freshwater environment in South America. Morphological features of this species, such valve slightly panduriform, with a longitudinal straight fold of the valve face, poroidal areolae, and strongly eccentric raphe system clearly assign this species to Tryblionella, and the transfer was made. Here we present new observations on the frustule morphology and comparisons with related species. Light and scanning electron microscopy data of Tryblionella persuadens comb. nov. from Cachoeira River, Northeastern Brazil are documented.

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The diatom flora of the Colombian and Peruvian Amazon is far less studied than the flora of the Brazilian sector of the basin. Here we present results related to the genera Encyonema, Encyonopsis and Gomphonema. Plankton and periphyton samples were collected in lotic and lentic waterbodies from the Amazonian-Andean region, the Amazon River, Japurá River and Porvenir River basins during 1993, 1994, 2001 and 2003. At each sampling station pH, temperature, water transparency and conductivity were registered. Samples were analyzed with phase contrast microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Ten taxa are new records for the area; Encyonema for the Peruvian and Colombian Amazon and Encyonopsis for the Colombian Sector. Encyonema neogracile var. tenuipunctatum, E. vulgare, Encyonopsis frequentis, Gomphonema augur var. sphaerophorum and G. contraturris are recorded for the first time in Colombia; Encyonema venezolanum and G. neoapiculatum in Colombia and Peru and the latter also for Amazonia. E. angustecapitatum was mentioned in Colombia before at a pond located at 3000 m asl. We describe a new species from Porvenir River, Amazonas, Colombia: Encyonema amazonianum.

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Diatoms from the Colombian and Peruvian Amazon: the Genera Encyonema, Encyonopsis and Gomphonema (Cymbellales, Bacillariophyceae). The diatom flora of the Colombian and Peruvian Amazon is far less studied than the flora of the Brazilian sector of the basin. Here we present results related to the genera Encyonema, Encyonopsis and Gomphonema. Plankton and periphyton samples were collected in lotic and lentic waterbodies from the Amazonian-Andean region, the Amazon River, Japurá River and Porvenir River basins during 1993, 1994, 2001 and 2003. At each sampling station pH, temperature, water transparency and conductivity were registered. Samples were analyzed with phase contrast microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Ten taxa are new records for the area; Encyonema for the Peruvian and Colombian Amazon and Encyonopsis for the Colombian Sector. Encyonema neogracile var. tenuipunctatum, E. vulgare, Encyonopsis frequentis, Gomphonema augur var. sphaerophorum and G. contraturris are recorded for the first time in Colombia; Encyonema venezolanum and G. neoapiculatum in Colombia and Peru and the latter also for Amazonia. E. angustecapitatum was mentioned in Colombia before at a pond located at 3000m asl. We describe a new species from Porvenir River, Amazonas, Colombia: Encyonema amazonianum. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (1): 45-62. Epub 2010 March 01.

La flora diatomológica de la Amazonia Colombiana y Peruana está mucho menos estudiada que la flora del sector brasilero. Se presentan los resultados de los géneros Encyonema, Encyonopsis y Gomphonema. Muestras de plancton y perifiton fueron colectadas en ambientes lóticos y lénticos de la región amazónica-andina, en los ríos Amazonas, Japurá y Porvenir durante 1993, 1994, 2001 y 2003. En cada estación de muestreo se realizaron mediciones de pH, temperatura, transparencia del agua y conductividad. Las muestras fueron analizadas con microscopio óptico con contraste de fases y microscopio electrónico de barrido. Diez taxones son nuevos registros para el área; Encyonema en la Amazonia peruano-colombiana y Encyonopsis en el sector colombiano. Encyonema neogracile var. tenuipunctatum, E. vulgare, Encyonopsis frequentis, Gomphonema augur var. sphaerophorum y G. contraturris se reportan por primera vez en Colombia; Encyonema venezolanum y Gomphonema neoapiculatum en Colombia y Perú y la última también en la Amazonia. E. angustecapitatum fue previamente registrada en una laguna de altura en Colombia localizada a 3.000 msnm. Se describe una nueva especie, Encyonema amazonianum, colectada en el Río Porvenir, Amazonas, Colombia.

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The detailed description of rarely recorded Thalassiosira species in Brazil is presented with light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) illustrations. A total of 78 phytoplankton net samples (20 microm) collected between the years 2000 and 2006 in coastal waters of southern Brazilian, Cassino Beach and the estuary of Lagoa dos Patos, were studied in cleaned material using the Axiovert Zeiss LM and Jeol 6060 SEM. Water temperature and salinity of samples and six species are presented: Thalassiosira endoseriata, T. hendeyi, T. lundiana, T. minuscula, T. oceanica and T. wongii. Two species, Thalassiosira hendeyi and T. endoseriata were the most common being observed in all seasons at Cassino Beach in a wide temperature range (10-26 masculineC), while only sporadically in the estuary of Lagoa dos Patos. Thalassiosira endoseriata, T. lundiana, T. oceanica and T. wongii are for the first time reported in Brazilian coastal waters. The latter two species, rarely recorded in the world, are fully illustrated based on Brazilian material.

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The detailed description of rarely recorded Thalassiosira species in Brazil is presented with light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) illustrations. A total of 78 phytoplankton net samples (20 µm) collected between the years 2000 and 2006 in coastal waters of southern Brazilian, Cassino Beach and the estuary of Lagoa dos Patos, were studied in cleaned material using the Axiovert Zeiss LM and Jeol 6060 SEM. Water temperature and salinity of samples and six species are presented: Thalassiosira endoseriata, T. hendeyi, T. lundiana, T. minuscula, T. oceanica and T. wongii. Two species, Thalassiosira hendeyi and T. endoseriata were the most common being observed in all seasons at Cassino Beach in a wide temperature range (10-26 ºC), while only sporadically in the estuary of Lagoa dos Patos. Thalassiosira endoseriata, T. lundiana, T. oceanica and T. wongii are for the first time reported in Brazilian coastal waters. The latter two species, rarely recorded in the world, are fully illustrated based on Brazilian material.

A descrição detalhada de seis espécies de Thalassiosira raramente registradas no Brasil é apresentada com ilustrações em microscopia óptica (MO) e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Foram estudadas 78 amostras de rede (malha de 20 µm) coletadas entre os anos de 2000 e 2006 em águas costeiras do sul do Brasil, na praia do Cassino e no estuário da Lagoa dos Patos. Dados relativos à temperatura da água e salinidade são apresentados. Thalassiosira endoseriata, T. hendeyi, T. lundiana, T. minuscula, T. oceanica e T. wongii foram estudadas em amostras oxidadas ao MO Axiovert Zeiss e MEV Jeol 6060. Thalassiosira hendeyi e T. endoseriata foram as espécies mais comumente observadas in todas as estações do ano na praia do Cassino em uma grande amplitude de temperatura (10-26 ºC), mas foram observadas esporadicamente no estuário da Lagoa dos Patos. Thalassiosira endoseriata, T. lundiana, T. oceanica e T. wongii são, pela primeira vez, registradas em águas costeiras brasileiras. As duas últimas espécies, raramente registradas em águas costeiras em geral, são ilustradas em detalhe com espécimens brasileiros.

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In the tropical and subtropical regions, there is a large number of species which has not been yet described. The high possibility of extinction makes their inventory a priority. In this paper, 23 diatoms taxa from Andean lotic systems and lentic waterbodies localized in the Departments of Antioquia, Santander and Chocó, Colombia, are analyzed with light and scanning electron microscopy. Each taxon is described and information about environmental characteristic of the sites where they were collected and distribution in Colombia is given. The studied taxa belong to the orders Thalassiosirales (1), Aulacoseirales (1), Fragilariales (4), Cymbellales (7), Achnanthales (2), Naviculales (7), and Thalassiophysales (1). Fifteen of them are recorded for the first time in Colombia and Encyonema jemtlandicum in South America. A comparison with the diatom flora of the Colombian Amazonia showed that there were only three taxa in common to these two equatorial regions probably due to the influence of altitudinal gradient. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (3): 1159-1178. Epub 2008 September 30.

En este artículo se analizan con microscopios de luz y electrónico de barrido 23 taxones de diatomeas provenientes de sistemas lénticos y lóticos andinos localizados en los Departamentos de Antioquia, Santander y Chocó, Colombia. Cada taxon es descrito e ilustrado y se brinda información acerca de su distribución en Colombia y de las condiciones físicas y químicas en las que fueron colectados. Los taxones estudiados pertenecen a los órdenes Thalassiosirales (1), Aulacoseirales (1), Fragilariales (4), Cymbellales (7), Achnanthales (2), Naviculales (7) y Thalassiophysales (1). 15 de ellos son registrados por primera vez para Colombia y Encyonema jemtlandicum es primer registro para América del Sur. Una comparación con la flora diatomológica de la Amazonía Colombiana, mostró que únicamente 3 taxones fueron hallados en ambas regiones, probablemente debido a la influencia de los gradientes altitudinales.

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Chlorophyll fluorescence techniques are used for the detection of toxic substances in samples of photosynthetic cells by measuring chlorophyll a fluorimetric parameters, which are a response of the PSII physiological status. This work was conducted to determine the effects of the herbicide bentazon (CASRN 25057-89-0) on growth and maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) in cells of the marine diatom Skeletonema costatum. Unialgal cultures were exposed to several bentazon concentrations and its effects on algal growth and Fv/Fm were determined. The traditional algal growth inhibition test (algal biomass measurements) and DCMU-induced chlorophyll a variable fluorescence measurements were determined. Our results showed that even low concentrations of bentazon rapidly lead to Fv/Fm decrease, while the effects on algal growth were detected after 24 h of exposure. The LOEC (2.81 mg L(-1)) and EC50 (13.0 mg L(-1)) determined through Fv/Fm experiments were lower than the LOEC (22.5 mg L(-1)) and EC50 (24.0 mg L(-1)) determined through algal growth inhibition experiments. This confirms that the Fv/Fm is a more sensitive parameter than algal growth for monitoring the effects of bentazon. The present results have demonstrated the applicability of Fv/Fm parameter to access the early toxicity of bentazon, as well as other PSII-inhibition compounds, before significant changes occurred in the original concentration and bioavailability of these toxicants during longer exposure times.

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RESUMO

In the tropical and subtropical regions, there is a large number of species which has not been yet described. The high possibility of extinction makes their inventory a priority. In this paper, 23 diatoms taxa from Andean lotic systems and lentic waterbodies localized in the Departments of Antioquia, Santander and Chocó, Colombia, are analyzed with light and scanning electron microscopy. Each taxon is described and information about environmental characteristic of the sites where they were collected and distribution in Colombia is given. The studied taxa belong to the orders Thalassiosirales (1), Aulacoseirales (1), Fragilariales (4), Cymbellales (7), Achnanthales (2), Naviculales (7), and Thalassiophysales (1). Fifteen of them are recorded for the first time in Colombia and Encyonema jemtlandicum in South America. A comparison with the diatom flora of the Colombian Amazonia showed that there were only three taxa in common to these two equatorial regions probably due to the influence of altitudinal gradient.

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Viable bacterial counts, chemical markers, phospholipid fatty acid analysis (PLFA), and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), together with electrochemical methods, were used to study biofilm dynamics and its impact on the corrosion resistance of UNS S31603 stainless steels exposed to the Gulf of Mexico seawater. Biofilms progressively accumulated, peaking on day 20, but finally detached. The extracellular polysaccharide (EPS)/cellular biomass ratio remained low most of the time, but reached its highest level (4.2+/-1.9) also on day 20. Viable bacterial cells reached their highest abundance earlier (approximately 800 CFU/cm2), on day 15. Biofilms were seen covering the stainless steel surfaces heterogeneously and were composed mainly of gram-negative rods, presumably EPS-producing bacteria. Despite the different levels of biofilm biomass and attachment state, field-exposed steel coupons ennobled significantly and showed more active pitting potentials (approximately +500 mVSCE) than on the abiotic control (+650 mVSCE), where no significant ennoblement occurred. These results suggest that the heterogeneous distribution of biofilms, as opposed to the quantity of surface-associated biomass, promotes formation of differential aeration cells, and that this in turn contributes to the ennoblement of these steels.

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RESUMO

Observaciones previas sobre el microplancton de la Bahía de Mazatlán, en el otoño de 1996, revelaron la existencia de altas densidades de Pseudo-nitzschia spp. Este mismo fenómeno se encontró en noviembre 1998 y un mes después se había desplazado al sur de la Bahía de Mazatlán, mientras que por esas mismas fechas, en California, EUA, se registraban accidentes de envenenamiento de mamíferos marinos, accidentes que en el noroeste de México se aprecian entre enero y marzo. Mensualmente se recolectaron muestras de agua superficial (< 0.5 m) y subsuperficial (10 m), de noviembre 1998 a enero 1999 y cada semana, entre febrero 1999 y mayo 2000; las muestras fueron analizadas por la técnica de Utermöhl a 400X. La cuantificación del microplancton presentó un amplio pulso invernal y otro menor en verano de cada ciclo anual. Con el empleo de microscopio electrónico (MEB y MET), se reconocieron cuatro especies de Pseudo-nitzschia y una más en estudio reciente. Las densidades de Pseudo-nitzschia fueron, en orden de importancia: 760 céls ml-1 (7 dic.1999), 610 (6 dic.1998), 335 (12 jul.1999), 198 (1º. feb. 1999), 170 (6 nov.1998), 123 (17 mar.1999), 108 (11 ago.1999). Otras especies de diatomeas (Thalassiosira spp., Asterionellopsis glacialis, Chaetoceros spp., Skeletonema costatum), dinoflagelados (Prorocentrum spp., Scripsiella trochoideda) y ciliados (Myrionecta rubra), manifestaron proliferaciones altas durante el período de este estudio

Observations on microplankton in the autumn of 1996 revealed the existence of high densities of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. A similar phenomenon was found in November 1998 and November 1999 and a month later it shifted to the southern Mazatlán Bay while in California, USA, incidents of the poisoning of sea mammals were being recorded; this also happened on the Mexican Pacific coasts from January to March. Water samples collected at surface (<0.5 m deep) and subsurface (10 m deep) monthly, from November 1998 to January 1999 and every week from February 1999 to May 2000, were analyzed by the Utermöhl technique at 400 enlargements. Phytoplankton quantification showed winter and summer pulses; the 1998-1999 period was higher than the 1999-2000 period. Five species of Pseudo-nitzschia were identified by electron microscopy (TEM and SEM); a new study has revealed other species. High values of Pseudo-nitzschia were observed: 730 P-n/ml (Dec. 1999), 610 P-n/ml (Dec. 1998), 335 P-n/ml (Jul. 1999), 198 P-n/ml (Feb. 1999), 170 P-n/ml (Nov. 1998), 123 P-n/ml (Mar. 1999), 108 P-n/ml (Aug. 1999). The blooms of other species of diatoms (Thalassiosira spp., Asterionellopsis glacialis, Chaetoceros spp., Skeletonema costatum), dinoflagellates (Prorocentrum spp., Scripsiella trochoidea) and ciliates (Myrionecta rubra) were also observed

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RESUMO

En el mes de noviembre de 2001, se aisló de una marea roja cerca de la Isla San Lucas, las diatomeas Pseudo-Nitzschia pungens f. pungens seguida por Skeletonema costatum, Chaetoceros lorenzianus y en menor concentración Thalassiosira spp. las cuales fueron caracterizadas por microscopía electrónica de rastreo y transmisión, siendo esta la primera vez que se describe la presencia de estas especies produciendo proliferaciones en Costa Rica. Actualmente existe un aumento en el reporte de mareas rojas donde predominan las diatomeas, y los conteos celulares indican el aumento en el número de las especies conocidas como Pseudo-nitzschia pungens f. multiseries. A estas se les atribuye la producción del ácido domóico, un aminoácido de bajo peso molecular. Las intoxicaciones amnésicas por mariscos (IAM) que afectan a los humanos, se producen por la ingesta de mariscos contaminados con este ácido. En Costa Rica, hasta la fecha, solo se han reportado casos de intoxicación paralítica por mariscos contaminados por los dinoflagelados Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum y Gymnodinium catenatum, sin embargo existe la posibilidad de producirse intoxicaciones humanas por la ingesta de mariscos y peces contaminados con toxinas amnésicas las cuales son hidrosolubles y termoestables. Debe entonces considerarse el peligro potencial de aparición de casos de intoxicaciones amnésicas y se sugiere la inclusión de estas especies en los programas de monitoreo permanente para tomar las medidas preventivas de salud pública

Water samples were collected during a red tide event in November 2001, near San Lucas Island (Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica). Superficial temperature was 27ºC and water was turbid, with no fetid smell. One sample was treated with negative staining and observed using a transmission electron microscope (TEM); another sample was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Samples had high concentrations of the diatom Pseudo-Nitzschia pungens f. pungens (characterized by two rows of poroids in the external channel), and lower concentrations of Skeletonema costatum (chains joined by external microtubules) and Chaetoceros lorenzianus (oval apertures and long chains, having setae with distinctive transverse rows and spines). This is the first time that the first species was described producing red tides in Costa Rica. However, reports about red tides with high concentration of species like P. pungens (variety multiseries) are increasing. These species have been related to the production of domoic acid, a low molecular weight amino acid which in humans can cause amnesic intoxications with seafood. Previously, Costa Rican reports of toxic accidents only referred to seafood contaminated with Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum and Gymnodinium catenatum dinoflagellates. The increase in the number of Pseudo-Nitzschia causing harmful algae blooms is of interest for scientists around the world and must be documented. Similarly, some Chaetoceros species have been reported to be harmful to fish. We strongly recommend the establishment of a permanent surveillance program monitoring the presence of these species new at Costa Rican Pacific coast. Since the amnesic toxin is soluble in water and heat-resistant, we want to stress the possibility of having human cases of amnesic intoxication

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