Notable decomposition products of senescing Lake Michigan Cladophora glomerata
Journal of Great Lakes Research
By: Julie R. Peller, Muruleedhara N. Byappanahalli, Dawn A. Shively, Michael J. Sadowsky, Chan Lan Chun, and Richard L. Whitman
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Abstract
Massive accumulations of Cladophora, a ubiquitous, filamentous green alga, have been increasingly reported along Great Lakes shorelines, negatively affecting beach aesthetics, recreational activities, public health and beachfront property values. Previously, the decomposition byproducts of decaying algae have not been thoroughly examined. To better understand the negative consequences and potential merit of the stranded Cladophora, a three month mesocosm study of the dynamic chemical environment of the alga was conducted using fresh samples collected from southern Lake Michigan beaches. Typical fermentation products, such as organic acids, sulfide compounds, and alcohols were detected in the oxygen–deprived algae. Short chain carboxylic acids peaked on day seven, in correspondence with the lowest pH value. Most low molecular mass carbon compounds were eventually consumed, but 4-methylphenol, indole, and 3-methylindole were detected throughout the incubation period. Natural oils were detected in fresh and decomposing algae, indicating the stable nature of these compounds. The mesocosm experiment was validated by directly sampling the fluid within decomposing Cladophora mats in the field; many of the same compounds were found. This study suggests that the problematic Cladophora accumulations may be harvested for useful byproducts, thereby reducing the odiferous and potentially harmful mats stranded along the shorelines.
Suggested Citation
Peller, J.R., Byappanahalli, M., Shively, D.A., Sadowsky, M.J., Chun, C.L., Whitman, R.L., 2013, Notable decomposition products of senescing Lake Michigan Cladophora glomerata: Journal of Great Lakes Research, v. 40, no. 3, p. 800-806, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2014.04.012.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Notable decomposition products of senescing Lake Michigan Cladophora glomerata |
| Series title | Journal of Great Lakes Research |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.jglr.2014.04.012 |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Year Published | 2013 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | International Association for Great Lakes Research |
| Publisher location | Toronto |
| Contributing office(s) | Great Lakes Science Center |
| Description | 7 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Journal of Great Lakes Research |
| First page | 800 |
| Last page | 806 |
| Country | United States |
| Other Geospatial | Lake Michigan |