Seasonal biochemical and photophysiological responses in the intertidal macroalga Cystoseira tamariscifolia (Ochrophyta)

Seasonal changes in the biochemistry and photophysiology of the brown macroalga Cystoseira tamariscifolia was analyzed in southern Spain. Total carbon and nitrogen contents, phenolic compounds, antioxidant and photosynthetic activities were seasonally determined over two years. Carbon, nitrogen and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine environmental research 2016-04, Vol.115, p.89-97
Main Authors: Celis-Plá, Paula S.M., Bouzon, Zenilda L., Hall-Spencer, Jason M., Schmidt, Eder C., Korbee, Nathalie, Figueroa, Félix L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algal productivity
Antioxidants
Antioxidants - analysis
Carbon - analysis
Cystoseira tamariscifolia
In vivo chlorophyll a fluorescence
Mediterranean Sea
Nitrogen
Nitrogen - analysis
Phaeophyceae - chemistry
Phaeophyceae - physiology
Phaeophyceae - radiation effects
Phaeophyceae - ultrastructure
Phenols
Phenols - analysis
Photosynthesis - physiology
Seasons
Sunlight
UV protection
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Summary:Seasonal changes in the biochemistry and photophysiology of the brown macroalga Cystoseira tamariscifolia was analyzed in southern Spain. Total carbon and nitrogen contents, phenolic compounds, antioxidant and photosynthetic activities were seasonally determined over two years. Carbon, nitrogen and photoprotective phenolic contents were higher in winter and spring than in summer and autumn. Antioxidant levels were highest in spring and we found a positive correlation between phenolic content and antioxidant activity (EC50). Photosynthetic capacity (ETRmax) and photosynthetic efficiency (αETR) were also highest in spring, and there was a positive correlation between ETRmax and the amount of phenols present. Increased irradiance in spring enhanced algal productivity, antioxidant activity and the production of photoprotective compounds but in summer nutrient depletion due to thermal stratification of coastal waters reduced photosynthetic activity and the photoprotective capacity of C. tamariscifolia. Electron microscopy showed that phenols occurred in the cytoplasm of cortical cells inside physodes. Spring would be the best period to harvest C. tamariscifolia to extract photoprotectors and antioxidants for potential commercial uses, although the environmental impacts would need to be carefully assessed. •Monitoring of seasonal changes in biochemistry and photophysiology of Cystoseira tamariscifolia.•The increased irradiance in spring enhanced the algal productivity.•The best period to harvest C. tamariscifolia to commercial uses could be in spring.
ISSN:0141-1136
1879-0291
DOI:10.1016/j.marenvres.2015.11.014