Year
2019
Season
Summer
Paper Type
Master's Thesis
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree Name
Master of Science in Biology (MS)
Department
Biology
NACO controlled Corporate Body
University of North Florida. Department of Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Dale Casamatta
Second Advisor
Dr. Eric Johnson
Rights Statement
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Third Advisor
Dr. Kelly Smith
Department Chair
Dr. Cliff Ross
College Dean
Dr. George Rainbolt
Abstract
Algae are a group of highly diverse photosynthetic organisms found in variety of habitats. As the primary energy base in ecosystems, knowledge of the diversity and presence of certain algal lineages is paramount to our understanding of the trophic state of aquatic habitats. In recent years, the state of Florida has seen an increase of both marine and freshwater algal blooms. Similarly, filamentous algae have begun outcompeting vascular macrophytes throughout many of Florida’s springs as nutrient enrichment from anthropogenic sources increases. Traditionally, the Florida algal spring communities have been assessed using classic morphological methods, which may underrepresent the true biodiversity present. Therefore, the goal of this study was to conduct a more complete diversity assessment implementing next-generation sequencing techniques (NGS) with morphological analyses and culturing methods. While morphological methods identified a wide variety of algal taxa, belonging to 4 phyla (Bacillariophyta, Charophyta, Chlorophyta, and Cyanobacteria), next-generation sequencing techniques provided greater detail of the diatom community. This is particularly important as many diatom taxa are used as indicators of water quality. We noted discrepancies between these two methods, highlighting how NGS techniques may complement the use of morphological analyses when analyzing algal diversity in this system. Culturing methods also revealed the presence of two taxa new to science (Nodosilinea fontisand Brasilonema variegatus), indicating these springs may represent a potential source of novel cyanobacteria. Taken together, this study showcases Florida springs are rich in algal diversity and a combination of methods is required for more complete biodiversity assessments. Future studies implementing such methods will aid in the preservation and conservation of these ecosystems.
Suggested Citation
Garvey, Alyssa, "Next-generation sequencing, morphology, and culture-based methods reveal diverse algal assemblages throughout the Florida springs" (2019). UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 899.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/899