About this Research Topic
Microalgae, a group of predominantly autotrophic organisms, can be commonly found in freshwater with many types of life cycles. Their sizes range from a few to hundreds of micrometers. Microalgae have a variety of photosynthetic pigments, and the diversiform cells have different features of structure, biochemical composition, and function. Microalgae drive several major ecosystem processes, like carbon and nitrogen cycles, playing a prominent role in freshwater ecosystems. Besides their ecological roles as oxygen producers and food bases for other aquatic organisms, microalgae produce organic substances in photosynthesis and are important as a source of crude oil, human food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products.
Due to the high metabolic flexibility, adaptation to various cultivation conditions as well as the possibility of rapid growth of microalgae, many studies focus on their potential application as sources of biologically valuable products. On the other hand, both abiotic forcing and biotic interactions can result in cell metabolism changes, population variation, and community succession. The environmental drivers of microalgae community diversity and dynamics such as light, temperature, wind, local hydrological conditions (e.g., water velocity, water level, water flow), biological disturbances (e.g. species invasion, competition), and chemical compounds(e.g. toxic pollutants, nutrient enrichment), have received attention. Besides, responses and acclimation of microalgae to environmental conditions are also exciting topics.
This Research Topic aims to illustrate the latest research, novel findings, and advances in freshwater microalgae research. The specific themes of this research topic are listed as follows:
1. Microalgal cells metabolisms and regulation mechanisms
2. Microalgae population variation
3. Microalgae community succession
4. Microalgae acclimation mechanism
5. Mechanisms of algal bloom occurring and control
6. The allelopathy effect and ecological toxicology
Due to the high metabolic flexibility, adaptation to various cultivation conditions as well as the possibility of rapid growth of microalgae, many studies focus on their potential application as sources of biologically valuable products. On the other hand, both abiotic forcing and biotic interactions can result in cell metabolism changes, population variation, and community succession. The environmental drivers of microalgae community diversity and dynamics such as light, temperature, wind, local hydrological conditions (e.g., water velocity, water level, water flow), biological disturbances (e.g. species invasion, competition), and chemical compounds(e.g. toxic pollutants, nutrient enrichment), have received attention. Besides, responses and acclimation of microalgae to environmental conditions are also exciting topics.
This Research Topic aims to illustrate the latest research, novel findings, and advances in freshwater microalgae research. The specific themes of this research topic are listed as follows:
1. Microalgal cells metabolisms and regulation mechanisms
2. Microalgae population variation
3. Microalgae community succession
4. Microalgae acclimation mechanism
5. Mechanisms of algal bloom occurring and control
6. The allelopathy effect and ecological toxicology
Keywords: microalgae, microorganism, photosynthesis, nutrient recovery, resource utilization, toxic, allelopathy, water bloom
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