First Detection of Polyunsaturated Aldehydes Produced by Benthic Diatoms in the Salish Sea
Research Mentor(s)
Dr. Karin Lemkau
Description
Polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUAs) are organic compounds produced by diatoms, a class of unicellular algae that inhabit marine and freshwater ecosystems. These compounds have been shown to decrease the reproductive potential in some predators, including lowering copepod egg production and viability and causing embryo deformities. Research on the production of PUAs has focused on pelagic diatoms, and comparatively very little is known about PUA production by their benthic counterparts. Benthic diatoms are dominant primary producers in intertidal and mudflat habitats. Forage fish and benthic invertebrates lay their eggs on aquatic vegetation in these environments and may also experience reduced fecundity due to PUA exposure. In this study, we present evidence of PUA production in pelagic diatom cultures and in a benthic diatom assemblage isolated from Salish Sea waters. These are the first PUA measurements made at Western Washington University and is the first report of benthic diatom production of PUAs in the Salish Sea.
Document Type
Event
Start Date
May 2022
End Date
May 2022
Location
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
Department
UIP - Marine and Coastal Science
Genre/Form
student projects; posters
Type
Image
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
First Detection of Polyunsaturated Aldehydes Produced by Benthic Diatoms in the Salish Sea
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
Polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUAs) are organic compounds produced by diatoms, a class of unicellular algae that inhabit marine and freshwater ecosystems. These compounds have been shown to decrease the reproductive potential in some predators, including lowering copepod egg production and viability and causing embryo deformities. Research on the production of PUAs has focused on pelagic diatoms, and comparatively very little is known about PUA production by their benthic counterparts. Benthic diatoms are dominant primary producers in intertidal and mudflat habitats. Forage fish and benthic invertebrates lay their eggs on aquatic vegetation in these environments and may also experience reduced fecundity due to PUA exposure. In this study, we present evidence of PUA production in pelagic diatom cultures and in a benthic diatom assemblage isolated from Salish Sea waters. These are the first PUA measurements made at Western Washington University and is the first report of benthic diatom production of PUAs in the Salish Sea.