Aerosolization flux, bio-products, and dispersal capacities in the freshwater microalga Limnomonas gaiensis (Chlorophyceae)

Sylvie V.M. Tesson*, Marta Barbato, Bernadette Rosati*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperJournal articleResearchpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Little is known on the spreading capacities of Limnomonas gaiensis across freshwater lakes in Northern Europe. In this study, we show that the species could successfully be aerosolized from water sources by bubble bursting (2-40 particles.cm−3), irrespectively of its density in the water source or of the jet velocity used to simulate wave breaking. The species viability was impacted by both water turbulences and aerosolization. The survival rate of emitted cells was low, strain-specific, and differently impacted by bubble busting processes. The entity “microalga and bionts” could produce ethanol, and actively nucleate ice (principally ≤−18 °C) mediated soluble ice nucleation active proteins, thereby potentially impacting smog and cloud formation. Moreover, smallest strains could better cope with applied stressors. Survival to short-term exposure to temperatures down to −21 °C and freezing events further suggest that L. gaiensis could be air dispersed and contribute to their deposition.

Original languageEnglish
Article number809
JournalCommunications Biology
Volume6
Issue1
Number of pages13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2023

Keywords

  • Aerosols
  • Atmosphere
  • Chlorophyceae
  • Fresh Water
  • Ice
  • Microalgae
  • Water

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