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In lakes, cyanobacterial blooms are frequently associated with green algae and dominate the phytoplankton community in successive waves. In the present study, the interactions between Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806 and Desmodesmus subspicatus were studied to clarify the probable ecological significance of algal secondary metabolites; focusing on the role of cyanotoxin ‘microcystin-LR’ (MC-LR). A dialysis co-cultivation technique was applied where M. aeruginosa was grown inside and D. subspicatus was cultured outside of the dialysis tubing. The concentration of the intra- and extracellular MC-LR and the growth of two species were measured at different time points over a period of one month. Additionally, the growth of the two species in the culture filtrate of one another and the effect of the purified MC-LR on the growth of the green alga were studied. The results indicated that the co-existing species could affect each other depending on the growth phases. Despite the early dominance of D. subspicatus during the logarithmic phase, M. aeruginosa suppressed the growth of the green alga at the stationary phase, which coincided with increased MC production and release. However, the inhibitory effects of Microcystis might be related to its other extracellular metabolites rather than, or possibly in addition to, MC. Keywords: Interspecies interactions, Co-cultivation, M. aeruginosa, D. subspicatus

Microplastics (MPs) of varying sizes are widespread pollutants in our environment. The general opinion is that the smaller the size, the more dangerous the MPs are due to enhanced uptake possibilities. It would be of considerably ecological significance to understand the response of biota to microplastic contamination both physically and physiologically. Here, we report on an area choice experiment (avoidance test) using Enchytraeus crypticus, in which we mixed different amounts of high-density polyethylene microplastic particles into the soil. In all experimental scenarios, more Enchytraeids moved to the unspiked sections or chose a lower MP-concentration. Worms in contact with MP exhibited an enhanced oxidative stress status, measured as the induced activity of the antioxidative enzymes catalase and glutathione S-transferase. As plastic polymers per se are nontoxic, the exposure time employed was too short for chemicals to leach from the microplastic, and as the microplastic particles used in these experiments were too large (4 mm) to be consumed by the Enchytraeids, the likely cause for the avoidance and oxidative stress could be linked to altered soil properties.

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN)-producing cyanobacterial blooms such as Raphidiopsis, Aphanizomenon, Anabaena, Umezakia, and Lyngbya spp. are occurring more commonly and frequently worldwide. CYN is an environmentally stable extracellular toxin, which inhibits protein synthesis, and, therefore, can potentially affect a wide variety of aquatic biota. Submerged and floating macrophytes, as primary producers in oligotrophic habitats, are at risk of exposure and information on the effects of CYN exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations is limited. In the present study, we investigated CYN uptake in the floating macrophyte Lemna minor with exposure to reported environmental concentrations. The effects were evaluated in terms of bioaccumulation, relative plant growth, and number of fronds per day. Variations in the concentrations and ratios of the chlorophylls as stress markers and carotenoids as markers of oxidative stress defense were measured. With exposure to 25 μg/L, L. minor could remove 43% of CYN within 24 h but CYN was not bioaccumulated. Generally, the pigment concentrations were elevated with exposure to 0.025, 0.25, and 2.5 μg/L CYN after 24 h, but normalized quickly thereafter. Changes in relative plant growth were observed with exposure to 0.25 and 2.5 μg/L CYN. Adverse effects were seen with these environmentally realistic concentrations within 24 h; however, L. minor successfully recovered within the next 48−96 h.