National Ocean Service

About: National Ocean Service is a government organization based out in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Algal bloom & Population. The organization has 500 authors who have published 643 publications receiving 46096 citations.

Dna probes and a receptor‐binding assay for detection of pseudo‐nitzschia (bacillariophyceae) species and domoic acid activity in cultured and natural samples

Abstract: Large-subunit ribosomal RNA-targeted probes for Pseudo-nitzschia australis Frenguelli, P. multiseries (Hasle) Hasle, P. pseudodelicatissima (Hasle) Hasle, and P. pungens (Grunow) Hasle were applied to cultured and natural samples using whole-cell and sandwich hybridization. Testing of the latter method is emphasized here, and technique refinements that took place during 1996–1997 are documented. Application of the sandwich hybridization test showed that the signal intensity obtained for a given number of target cells remained constant as batch cultures of these organisms progressed from active through stationary growth phases. This suggests that cellular rRNA content for each target species remained relatively stable despite changes in growth state. Application of whole-cell and sandwich hybridization assays to natural samples showed that both methods could be used to detect wild P. australis, P. pseudodelicatissima, and to a lesser degree P. multiseries, but detection of P. pungens was prone to error. A receptor-binding assay for domoic acid (DA) enabled detection of this toxin activity associated with a particulate fraction of the plankton and provided a context in which to view results of the rRNA probe tests. In one case, the probe for P. australis cross-reacted with P. cf. delicatissima. The sample that contained the latter species also contained a low amount of DA activity. Under certain field conditions, results of whole-cell and sandwich hybridization tests disagreed. Detailed analysis of selected field samples illustrates how such situations arose. Collectively, the rRNA probe and toxin analyses suggest that manifestation of DA in the environment is possible in the absence of readily recognizable intact cells.

Health and Ecological Impacts of Harmful Algal Blooms: Risk Assessment Needs

Abstract: The symposium session, Indicators for Effects and Predictions of Harmful Algal Blooms, explored the current state of indicators used to assess the human health and ecological risks caused by harmful algal blooms, and highlighted future needs and impediments that must be overcome in order to provide a complete risk assessment of their impacts. Six recognized human poisoning syndromes resulting from algal toxins (paralytic, neurotoxic, amnesic, diarrhetic shellfish poisonings, ciguatera fish poisoning, and putative estuary associated syndrome) impact human health through consumption of contaminated seafood, direct contact with bloom water, or inhalation of aerosolized toxin. Thorough health risk assessment for the variety of algal toxins is hampered to varying degrees because either the toxin has not been identified or indicators for exposure and effects remain poorly defined. Predicting the occurrence and determining the impacts of harmful algal blooms in coastal ecosystems are the two major ecological ris...

Influence of CO2, nitrate, phosphate, and silicate limitation on intracellular dimethylsulfoniopropionate in batch cultures of the coastal diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana

Abstract: We measured intracellular dimethyl sulfoniopropionate (DMSP) concentrations in nutrient-limited batch cultures of the coastal diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana. Under N, P, CO2, and Si growth limitation, intracellular DMSP concentrations decreased to low values during the exponential phase of growth and increased under nutrient limitation. The intracellular DMSP concentration increased exponentially with decreasing growth rate and cellular chlorophyll a, in response to the type and degree of nutrient limitation. For a given growth rate, N-limited cells showed the greatest increase in cellular DMSP concentrations, CO2 and Si limitation had an intermediate effect, and P limitation caused the smallest increase. The results demonstrate the importance of nutrient limitation in enhancing DMSP concentrations in marine algae. This enhancement may be linked in part to the role of DMSP as a cellular antioxidant and to increased oxidative stress within cells during nutrient limitation. The replacement of DMSP, a sulfur-containing osmolyte, for N-containing osmolytes such as proline may also explain at least some of the DMSP increase under N limitation. Our results also point to the possible importance of diatom blooms in global or regional sulfur cycles.

Review of stress in marine mammals

Abstract: There has been a growing concern over the last few decades about theeffects of environmental stress, including anthropogenic impacts, onmarine mammals. This paper provides an overview of the wide range ofanthropogenic stressors that marine mammals may encounter and the levelof understanding on their potential effects. Sources of stress andphysiological responses of the animals are explored. Many of the lifehistory traits of marine mammals (i.e., long-life spans, late maturity,relatively low reproductive potential, and feeding high in the foodchain), make them susceptible to various anthropogenic stressors. Sincemarine mammals are exposed to a diverse array of multiple stressors,this paper focuses on three case studies (acute and chronic effects fromoil spills; chronic effects from environmental contaminants, andfishery-induced stress) to emphasize potential relevant hazards and toprovide a perspective on the use of marine mammals in assessingecosystem health. Additional research to enhance our understanding ofstress on marine mammals and to provide the science needed to guidemanagement decisions is recommended.