Antialgal activity of macrophytes organic extracts against Cyanobacteria blooms

What is it about?

Organic extracts from seven moroccan macrophytes, Ranunculus aquatilis, Myriophyllum spicatum, Potamogeton natans, Nasturtium officinale, Ceratophyllum sp., Enteromorpha sp., and Elodea sp were tested for their algicidal effects on Microcystis aeruginosa and Chlorella spp. Results showed that the growth of both microalgae was significantly inhibited by all MEA extracts. Myriophyllum spicatum organic extract shows the highest growth inhibition activity against M. aeruginosa. Furthermore, results showed different sensitivity between the prokaryotic and eukaryotic microalgae into Macrophye organic extracts.

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Why is it important?

This is important because the results obtained are promising for the development of an alternative and ecofriendly method to control cyanobacteria toxic blooms. The use of the algicide compounds from aquatic macrophytes as an innovative and safe method for controlling harmful algal blooms is a promising alternative. The results obtained for the sensitivity of M. aeruginosa and Chlorella sp. to MEA extracts suggest that M. spicatum, R. aquatilis, and Enteromorpha sp. can be used in an effective management strategy to control cyanobacteria proliferation. However, extracts of P. natans, N. officinale, Elodea sp., and Ceratophyllum sp. can be used to manage the proliferation of green algae in water bodies.