Silica-scaled chrysophytes are a unique group of protists representing a major component of numerous aquatic habitats where they can significantly contribute to human well-being in many ways. In the present review, altogether 14 ecosystem services provided by silica-scaled chrysophytes were identified highlighting their importance and roles in aquatic ecosystems. The most important supporting services are related to primary production, nutrient- and biogeochemical cycling, as well as sediment formation. Additionally, they are involved in the regulation of climate, maintenance of air quality, biological control and water purification processes (as regulating services). The most relevant provisioning services include their usefulness in environmental monitoring (paleolimnology, ecological status assessment and climate modelling), production of biochemicals and provision of genetic resources. Cultural services are associated with aesthetic values, inspiration source and knowledge system as well. Although silica-scaled chrysophytes are one of the least studied groups of algae, here they are shown to provide important benefits and to have many further powerful opportunities for humans, thus their detailed research in the future is emphasised as an important key for human well-being.

Barreto, S. 200 I . Three new Mallomonas species (Synurophyceae) from a mountain area in North-Hungary. -Nord. J. Bot. 21: 437-447. Copenhagen. ISSN 0107-055X.Three new species of silica-scaled chrysophytes were found in a mountain area in North-Hungary. The water samples were collected from acidic bog-ponds, surrounded by forest. Mallomonas formosa sp. nov. shows a close relation with M. maculata, therefore it is placed within the same section and series (Sectio Quadrutae, Series Maculatae). Mallomonas citcullata sp. nov. is not similar to any known species so far, this involved the description of a new section (Sectio Cucullatae). Mallomonas tubulosa sp. nov. in some ways resembles M. pillula, therefore it is placed in Sectio Annulatae. Whole cells and bristles attached to the scales were unfortunately not found, which would allow a more complete description of the new taxa.

Míg a szabad szemmel látható állat-, illetve növényvilággal kapcsolatos ismeretterjesztés széleskörűvé vált, addig a mikroszkopikus világ tudományos igényű ismeretterjesztő bemutatására kevés példát találni. Hagyományteremtő céllal 2015-ben első alkalommal hirdette meg az Algológus Fórum az „Év Algája” internetes szavazást. A végső szavazásra javasolt három algafaj a Didymosphenia geminata, Haematococcus pluvialis és Prymnesium parvum voltak, melyek közül a Haematococcus pluvialis fajra érkezett a szavazatok döntő többsége. A három faj ökológiai és gazdasági vonatkozásainak, valamint hazai elterjedésük bemutatásán keresztül kívánjuk megmutatni, hogy a mikroszkopikus világ képviselői is kellően színesek és érdekesek lehetnek ahhoz, hogy nagyobb teret kapjanak a tudományos ismeretterjesztésben. Tanulmányunk felhívja a figyelmet az algák vízi ökoszisztémákban betöltött alapvető szerepére, esetleges gazdasági jelentőségükre, valamint a földi élet fenntartásában nélkülözhetetlen szerepükre.