ABSTRACT

The study of cyanobacteria and blue-green algae species is important to the global scientific community because a significant number of beneficial strains of cyanobacterial species fix atmospheric nitrogen, contributing to the fertility of agricultural soils worldwide, while others act as nuisance microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems due to their involvement in toxic bloom events. Despite their ecological importance and environmental concerns, their identification and taxonomy remain problematic and uncertain, frequently relying on current morphological and physiological studies, which generate confusing classification systems and typically vary under different conditions. As a result, the current study sought to investigate differences in morphological, biochemical, and genotypic features of three cyanobacteria and algal strains isolated from Rameshwaram marine bodies using a polyphasic approach. The strains were characterised using morphometric, genetic (16S and 18S rRNA), and biochemical data (Chlorophyll, Carotenoids, Protein, Carbohydrate, Starch). Morphological analysis and sequencing of 16S rRNA fragments revealed that the strains belonged to the Oscillatoria nigro-viridis species, and sequencing of 18S rRNA fragments revealed that the strains belonged to. Spirogyra sp. and Chlorella vulgaris. These strains displayed distinct morphological and genetic characteristics, allowing easy assignment to their respective genera. The biochemical characterization revealed that the strains grew the most on the 11th – 13th day. Keywords: cyanobacteria, blue-green algae, toxic bloom, Rameshwaram, 16S and 18S Rrna
Publication date: 01/07/2023

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2023/July/MS_IJBPAS_2023_7325.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2023/12.7.7325