Persistence of bacterial-mediated anti-rotifer protection in preliminary outdoor cultivation trial for Microchloropsis salina

Journal Article · 03 February 2025 · Algal Research

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2025.103942 · OSTI ID:2533627

Fisher, Carolyn L. ^[1]; Lane, Pamela D. ^[2]; Sale, Kenneth ^[2]; Lane, Todd W. ^[2]

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1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
2. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States)

Outdoor algal cultivation systems are susceptible to a wide variety of deleterious species. In previously published studies, we observed protection using microbial consortia at laboratory scale cultures; Microchloropsis salina in the presence of microbial consortia were protected from grazing from the marine rotifer, Brachionus plicatilis. Our objective for the present work was to determine if this protection conferred by microbial consortia in controlled laboratory experiments would persist in an open, outdoor multi-liter cultivation system. We found that algal protection did persist as evidenced by the presence of fewer motile rotifers and decreased rotifer-associated egg counts for the consortia-treated outdoor cultures. Due to the low temperature and light conditions that reduced growth of the algae outdoors, we performed an indoor laboratory assay which also confirmed the persistence of algal protection. Lastly, the lower numbers of motile rotifers and fewer rotifer-associated eggs in the consortia-treated algal cultures suggests a possible protective mechanism by the consortia through interfering with the rotifer lifecycle or reproduction. Finally, these initial results support the possibility that low cost, prophylactic treatments with microbial consortia can protect algae from deleterious species in outdoor cultivation systems.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Sustainable Transportation. Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC52-07NA27344; NA0003525
• OSTI ID: 2533627
• Report Number(s): LLNL--JRNL-2002170
• Journal Information: Algal Research, Journal Name: Algal Research Vol. 86; ISSN 2211-9264
• Publisher: ElsevierCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English