Identification and Monitoring of Microalgal Genera Potentially Capable of Forming Harmful Algal Blooms in Punta Galeta, Panama

Abstract

Coastal areas are attractive for human settlements because they allow easy access to benefits like food, security, and fishing. These aquatic ecosystems are supported by photosynthetic organisms that constitute the base of the food web. The term “Harmful Algal Bloom” (HAB) refers to the excessive proliferation of some taxa of these microorganisms reaching harmful levels to humans and other organisms. Biotoxins produced by these HABs could be transferred to the food chain and are the best-documented impact that HABs have on humans. The location and abundance of the HAB species producing the toxin is a good indicator of a possible human health hazard. The aim of this study was to monitor potentially harmful benthic/epibenthic microalgae in Punta Galeta, Panama over a 15-month period. The 3 main microalgae found were 2 dinoflagellates from the genera Prorocentrum and Ostreopsis and 1 diatom from the genus Coscinodiscus. Sampling made with both natural and artificial substrates yielded similar overall abundance patterns; however, for the macroalgae samples, there appeared to be significant host preferences for Ostreopsis and Coscinodiscus. Physicochemical measures taken at the site were found to fall within previously reported growth parameters for the microalgae found in the study.

Insights into Toxic Prymnesium parvum Blooms as a Cause of the Ecological Disaster on the Odra River

“…In Norway, a massive fish kill due to P. parvum blooms was observed in 1989, killing 750 tons of salmon and trout in cages and resulting in significant economic losses to the fish farming industry [ 131 ]. It is now known that the phenomenon of mass blooms of microalgae is favored by high temperatures and solar radiation, increased water salinity, and poor water flow [ 93 , 132 , 133 ]. P. parvum , like other algae, particularly proliferates in shallow, stagnant, or weakly flowing waters [ 132 , 133 ].…”

“…P. parvum is a species of golden alga that has flagella and chloroplasts for photosynthesis [ 93 ]. It has a complex life cycle that includes both sexual and vegetative phases.…”

“…The cells of P. parvum are typically 3.5-11 µm wide and 6-18.5 µm long [91,92] (see Figure 1). P. parvum is a species of golden alga that has flagella and chloroplasts for photosynthesis [93]. It has a complex life cycle that includes both sexual and vegetative phases.…”

Seawater quality assessment of the marine ecosystem of Punta Galeta in Panama

“…El paisaje protegido de isla Galeta está ubicado en la costa caribeña de la provincia de Colón, Panamá (Wang et al, 2008). Punta Galeta está aproximadamente a 8 km al nororiente de la ciudad de Colón, cercana a una de las entradas del Canal de Panamá (González et al, 2019;Broce et al, 2022). El paisaje protegido y su gestión no abordan todas las amenazas existentes y emergentes para los sistemas marinos (Halpern et al, 2010;Broce et al, 2022).…”

“…The protected landscape of Galeta Island is located on the Caribbean coast of Colon province, Panama (Wang et al, 2008). Punta Galeta is approximately 8 km northeast of the city of Colón, near one of the entrances of the Panama Canal (González et al, 2019;Broce et al, 2022). The protected landscape and its management do not address all existing and emerging threats to marine systems (Halpern et al, 2010;Broce et al, 2022).…”