Uptake of PCBs contained in marine sediments by the green macroalga Ulva rigida.

The uptake of PCBs contained in marine sediments by the green macroalga Ulva rigida was investigated in both laboratory and field experiments. Under laboratory conditions, total PCBs (tPCBs) uptake was significantly greater in live vs dead plants. The concentration of tPCB taken up in live plants was greatest in the first 24h (1580 μg kg(-1) dry weight), and then increased at a lower rate from day 2 to 14.

Comparison of TNT removal from seawater by three marine macroalgae.

Axenic plantlets derived from three species of marine macroalgae, the temperate green alga Acrosiphonia coalita, the temperate red alga Porphyra yezoensis, and the tropical red alga Portieria hornemannii, all possessed a similar metabolic route to remove the explosive compound 2,4,6-trinitrotolune (TNT) from seawater. At a biomass density of 1.2 g l(-1) and initial TNT concentrations of 10 mg l(-1) or less, TNT removal from seawater was 100% within 72 h for P.

Metabolic flux analysis of halogenated monoterpene biosynthesis in microplantlets of the macrophytic red alga Ochtodes secundiramea.

The bioprocess engineering of marine macroalgae (i.e. seaweeds) for the production of secondary metabolites is an emerging area of marine biotechnology.