Effect of Cattail (Typha domingensis) Extracts, Leachates, and Selected Phenolic Compounds on Rates of Oxygen Production by Salvinia (Salvinia minima)

Salvinia (Salvinia minima Willd.) is a water fern found in Florida waters, usually associated with Lemna and other small free-floating species. Due to its buoyancy and mat-forming abilities, it is spread by moving waters. In 1994, salvinia was reported to be present in 247 water bodies in the state (out of 451 surveyed public waters, Schardt 1997). It is a small, rapidly growing species that can become a nuisance due to its explosive growth rates and its ability to shade underwater life (Oliver 1993). Any efforts toward management of salvinia populations must consider that, in reasonable amounts, its presence is desirable since it plays an important role in the overall ecosystem balance. New management alternatives need to be explored besides the conventional herbicide treatments; for example, it has been shown that the growth of S. molesta can be inhibited by extracts of the tropical weed parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) and its purified toxin parthenin (Pande 1994, 1996). We believe that cattail, Typha spp. may be a candidate for control of S. minima infestations. Cattail is an aggressive aquatic plant, and has the ability to expand over areas that weren't previously occupied by other species (Gallardo et al. 1998a and references cited there). In South Florida, T. domingensis is a natural component of the Everglades ecosystem, but in many cases it has become the dominant marsh species, outcompeting other native plants. In Florida public waters, this cattail species is the most dominant emergent species of aquatic plants (Schardt 1997). Several factors enable it to accomplish opportunistic expansion, including size, growth habits, adaptability to changes in the surroundings, and the release of compounds that can prevent the growth and development of other species. We have been concerned in the past with the inhibitory effects of the T. domingensis extracts, and the phenolic compounds mentioned before, towards the growth and propagation of S. minima (Gallardo et al. 1998b). This investigation deals with the impact of cattail materials on the rates of oxygen production of salvinia, as determined through a series of Warburg experiments (Martin et al. 1987, Prindle and Martin 1996).

The changes in various iron compounds in culture media for algae. [Translation from: Archiv fur Hydrobiologie Supplemente Band 38(1/2) 151-169, 1970.]

The purpose of this work is a contribution to the quantitative record of the use of iron by planktonic algae. Preliminary experiments with Chlorella to determine the rate of iron intake in the presence of inorganic sources of iron did not produce the desired result. The crucial point of this work is the investigation of the influence of various external factors on the stability of FeEDTA (FeEDTA = Ferric(III)-compound of ethylene-diamine tetra-acetic acid), since this compound appears to be particularly well-suited as a source of iron for planktonic algae (e.g. TAMIYA et al. 1953). Cultures of Chlorella fusca in a light thermostat were used in experimental research. Methods and results are discussed.

Azaspiracid shellfish poisoning: a review on the chemistry, ecology, and toxicology with an emphasis on human health impacts

Azaspiracids (AZA) are polyether marine toxins that accumulate in various shellfish species and have been associated with severe gastrointestinal human intoxications since 1995. This toxin class has since been reported from several countries, including Morocco and much of western Europe. A regulatory limit of 160 μg AZA/kg whole shellfish flesh was established by the EU in order to protect human health; however, in some cases, AZA concentrations far exceed the action level. Herein we discuss recent advances on the chemistry of various AZA analogs, review the ecology of AZAs, including the putative progenitor algal species, collectively interpret the in vitro and in vivo data on the toxicology of AZAs relating to human health issues, and outline the European legislature associated with AZAs.

Toxicity of four therapeutic compounds to fry of Indian major carps

Toxicity of four therapeutic compounds: sodium chloride, potassium permanganate, potassium dichromate and acriflavine to fry of Catla calla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala was tested. Bioassays were conducted in 5 and 10 liters glass jars in the laboratory for periods of 24-48 hrs. at temperatures of 26° and 32°C. LC 50 values of the chemicals were in the ranges of 5500 to 7500 ppm, 37.5 to 48 ppm, 92.5 to 125 ppm and 47.5 to 80 ppm respectively. The results obtained are of value in evolving cheap control methods against some common fish diseases. Sodium chloride and acriflavine can be widely used for chemotherapy and potassium dichromate is preferable to potassium permanganate for prophylaxis.

Preservation of Sardinella longiceps in iced and chilled seawater. Part 1 - Changes during storage with particular reference to bacterial load and nitrogenous compounds

Oil sardines in prime condition were subjected to onboard chilling. Two lots were chilled in CSW (samples C and CI), a third lot was chilled in crushed ice (sample I) and a fourth lot left not iced on deck (Sample AI). Upon landing sample AI was iced and sample CI was removed from the CSW and iced. All the four samples were kept in a chilled room for storage studies. The fish chilled and stored in CSW recorded the least, and the fish subjected to delayed icing, the highest values for all the indices of spoilage namely, free amino nitrogen, trimethylamine (TMA) and total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN). The total psychrophilic bacterial number also showed a similar trend. The organoleptic assessment of the cooked samples revealed C I, CI, AI to be the order of preference throughout the storage. This assessment was found to hold good for the rest of the parameters as well. The CSW held fishes were found to be distinctly superior to the iced ones for the first five days of storage. Such a marked prevalence in quality for five days would suffice for the fish to fetch a premium in the market over other landings of the same fish whether chilled or not chilled. Chilling on board in CSW and icing the same after landings, did not show encouraging results.

Extraction and structure elucidation of natural compounds of some gorgonians of the Persian Gulf and also physiological and pharmacological effects of gorgonian extract on some selected organisms

In the present research, investigations were carried out for structure elucidation of natural compounds and also for studing biological and teratogenical effects of two Genus of soft corals named as " Echinogorgia cf. indica" and "Sinularia erecta" in Persian Gulf. First, 350 gr Echinogorgia was extracted by Acetone, then, the extract was separated by ether from aqueos phase to give 4.5 gr oil. The oil eluted with Petrol - ether Et2 o (9:1) which was recovered Linderazulene and it's derivative as purple Cristals (350 mg/ca 0.1 %). In order to determine molecular structure, the Samples were used for spectroscopic method as: H1- NMR , C13- NMR and 2D NMR. Also, for extraction and structure elucidation of natural compounds, the soft coral " sinularia erecta " were used 1187/37 gr and extracted by Aceton. The extract was concentrated and resulting aqueous suspension and extracted by using ether to give 8.41 gr oil. The oil , was Chromatographed on a column of silica gel and some different fractions were gathered. Initial fraction (1-11) which were nonpolar compounds were seprated by GC/MS. Mass spectrum were prepared and much compounds were recognized.

A review of the distribution of organic compounds in freshwater lakes and rivers

The paper reviews the distribution of organic compounds in freshwater lakes and rivers. The study of dissolved organic matter in natural lakes and rivers is of importance for a variety of reasons. The organic matter may serve in part or whole as an energy source for organisms living in the aquatic environment, or it may supply them with materials essential for their nutrition.