The Ascidian Styela plicata As a Potential Bioremediator of the Brown Tide Pelagophytes Aureoumbra lagunensis and Aureococcus anophagefferens

Author

• Phyllis A. Klarmann

Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Hartmann, James X.

Abstract

A brown tide bloom of the pelagophyte Aureoumbra lagunensis caused significant impacts to north Indian River Lagoon (IRL) in 2012-2013, including seagrass die-offs, fish kills, and reduced growth and grazing of ecologically important bivalves. There is potential for another pelagophyte, Aureococcus anophagefferens, to expand into this system. Filtration rates (FR) of the pleated tunicate Styela plicata exposed to Aureoumbra lagunensis and Aureococcus anophagefferens were measured against exposure to a control alga (Tisochrysis lutea) in order to determine its potential use as a bioremediator against these harmful algal blooms (HABs). In addition, whether S. plicata might serve as a vector of HABs was studied by culturing fecal deposits. Short-term exposure to HABs significantly reduced FR, whereas long-term exposure indicates comparable cell removal compared to the control. Vector potential of S. plicata was inconclusive. Results warrant further research to determine whether S. plicata can acclimate or respond to HAB conditions over time.

Extent

71 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Recommended Citation

Klarmann, Phyllis A., "The Ascidian Styela plicata As a Potential Bioremediator of the Brown Tide Pelagophytes Aureoumbra lagunensis and Aureococcus anophagefferens" (2015). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019. 1317.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general_6/1317

Identifier

FA00004513

Format

pdf