Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ragaa A. Hamouda, Mada A. Alharthi, Amenah S. Alotaibi, Asma Massad Alenzi, Doha A. Albalawi, Rabab R. Makharita, Keykavous Parang
Summary: This study focuses on the characterization and antibacterial activity of biogenic silver and copper nanoparticles and their composites produced by the marine green alga Ulva lactuca. The results show that UL/Ag2 O-NPS exhibited the greatest inhibition zones against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, suggesting potential application as an antibacterial agent.
Article
Plant Sciences
Alberto Gonzalez, Hector Osorio, Stephanie Romero, Patricia Mendez, Muriel Sepulveda, Daniel Laporte, Marlen Gutierrez-Cutino, Rocio Santander, Eduardo Castro-Nallar, Alejandra Moenne
Summary: The mechanisms involved in anthracene degradation in the marine alga Ulva lactuca were analyzed using transcriptomic analysis. At least three pathways for anthracene and linear hydrocarbons degradation were identified, with multiple enzymes potentially participating in each pathway. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry confirmed the production of anthracene metabolites, validating one of the identified pathways.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kalavathy Gengiah, Naveenkumar Rajendran, Khalid A. Al-Ghanim, Marimuthu Govindarajan, Baskar Gurunathan
Summary: This study utilized the residual biomass of green seaweed Ulva lactuca to produce bioethanol through separate hydrolysis and fermentation processes. By optimizing conditions such as cellulase, biomass, temperature, and time, a maximum yield of fermentable sugars of 13.48 mg/mL was achieved. The economic feasibility of bioethanol production from U. lactuca was assessed based on lab-scale data, showing a plant capacity of 10 MT/day with a capital investment of 3.18 M$ and an annual operating cost of 0.86 M$.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Fozy Binhweel, Hassan Pyar, Wardah Senusi, Marwan Abdulhakim Shaah, Md Sohrab Hossain, Mardiana Idayu Ahmad
Summary: The study compared the productivity and characteristics of lipids and biodiesels between marine ulva lactuca seaweed and freshwater azolla filiculoides macroalgae. The results showed that 7.6 +/- 0.10% and 12.52 +/- 0.23% of lipids were extracted from ulva lactuca and azolla filiculoides, respectively. The study also analyzed the kinetics and thermodynamics of oil extraction and conducted base-catalyzed transesterification to synthesize biodiesel fuel.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elhagag A. Hassan, Awatief F. Hifney, Esmat F. Ali, Ahmed M. Sayed
Summary: In this study, pomegranate peel and marine algae Ulva lactuca extracts were found to have destructive effects on the growth and structure of Alternaria alternata, a fungal pathogen causing tomato-black spot disease. These extracts also increased the protein and reduced sugar contents in infected tomato fruits. Molecular docking studies showed that the extracts contained bioactive compounds that inhibit A. alternata cellulases. The results suggest that pomegranate and Ulva extracts have potential as biocontrol agents for postharvest disease management and food preservation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Prashant Savvashe, Akanksha Mhatre-Naik, Gayatri Pillai, Juilee Palkar, Mayur Sathe, Reena Pandit, C. R. K. Reddy, Arvind M. Lali
Summary: The study used a vertical multi-tubular air-lift photobioreactor system to cultivate Ulva lactuca throughout the year under natural conditions, achieving sustained and continuous production. This provides a new approach for large-scale cultivation of seaweed as a renewable feedstock.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vijayakumar Maduraimuthu, Jayappriyan Kothilmozhian Ranishree, Raja Mohan Gopalakrishnan, Brabakaran Ayyadurai, Rathinam Raja, Klaus Heese
Summary: This study demonstrates the photoinduced bioreduction of silver nitrate to silver nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of Ulva lactuca. The seaweed extract acts as both a reducing and capping agent, while light serves as a catalyst for biosynthesis. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibit superior photocatalytic activity in degrading hazardous pollutant dyes, indicating their potential for biomedical redox reaction applications.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tora Lillebjerka, Arne M. Malzahn, Elin Kjorsvik, Andreas Hagemann
Summary: Aquaculture production of common periwinkle is essential to avoid over-harvesting. We investigated the effects of temperature and salinity on embryonic development and found that temperature significantly influenced hatching time, while salinity affected both hatching time and success. Larval diet also played a significant role in growth rates during the planktonic stage.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yuheon Chung, Seula Jeong, In-Kyoung Lee, Bong-Sik Yun, Jung Sup Lee, Seungil Ro, Jong Kun Park
Summary: The study showed that (+)-epiloliolide can increase cell resistance to UVB and protect cells from UVB damage by regulating p53 activity.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
E. Harsha Mohan, S. Madhusudan, Revathy Baskaran
Summary: Marine green macroalgae, particularly Ulva species, have potential applications in therapeutics due to their bioactive phytochemicals, but are currently under-exploited. Ulva lactuca, a widely grown macroalgae along the Mediterranean coast, is a good source of proteins and nutrients, making it suitable for salad and kimchi preparations. This review highlights the chemistry, structure, and food and pharmaceutical applications of bioactives in green seaweeds and Ulva spp., with the aim of exploiting their nutraceutical properties and pharmaceutical applications.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Laura Polt, Larissa Motyl, Elke Kerstin Fischer
Summary: Monitoring strategies are crucial due to the increasing microplastic contamination. In the German Wadden Sea, invertebrates, fish, and sediment cores were collected at 10 sites between 2018 and 2020. Microplastics were found in all samples and sites, mainly in the form of fragments. Based on the processing and results, Mytilus edulis and Platichthys flesus are recommended as suitable species for future microplastic monitoring in biota.
Article
Polymer Science
Ragaa A. A. Hamouda, Fauzia A. K. Qarabai, Fathi S. S. Shahabuddin, Turki M. M. Al-Shaikh, Rabab R. R. Makharita
Summary: Tooth decay is a common chronic infection caused by acids produced from bacterial breakdown of sugar in the mouth. In this study, nanocellulose and Ulva/Ag/cellulose/nanocomposites were synthesized using Ulva lactuca as a cellulose source and reducing agent. The tests showed that Ulva/Ag/cellulose/nanocomposites had strong antibacterial activity against S. mutans and L. acidophilus, and they were more effective than materials blended with fluoride.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria M. Areco, Vanesa N. Salomone, Maria dos Santos Afonso
Summary: Coastal regions are degraded due to anthropogenic pollution, with many studies focusing on the ability of marine organisms to remove pollutants, with the green macroalgae Ulva lactuca being extensively researched in this regard.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sofia Pappou, Maria Myrto Dardavila, Maria G. Savvidou, Vasiliki Louli, Kostis Magoulas, Epaminondas Voutsas
Summary: The macroalgae Ulva lactuca has been identified as a natural source for the production of extracts with potent bioactivity. The polysaccharide Ulvan was found to be present in a significant amount in the biomass, which has known benefits in human health. Among the solvents tested, an ethanol/water mixture was found to be the most efficient in the recovery of bioactive compounds. The extraction parameters, such as time, temperature, and the ratio of biomass to solvent, were found to impact the content of carotenoid and phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and extraction yield. Specific phenolic and carotenoid compounds in the extracts were identified using HPLC.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoqing Li, Yihan Chen, Xiaoxiang Gao, Yijing Wu, Hesham Rushdy El-Seedi, Yong Cao, Chao Zhao
Summary: A novel polysaccharide from Ulva lactuca (ULP) was found to exhibit antihyperuricemic activity by regulating biochemical indexes, gene expressions, tissue pathology, and gut microbiota. It effectively reduced serum uric acid levels, improved renal injury, and showed potential in treating hyperuricemia-related diseases.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Montserrat Filella, Andrew Turner
Review
Environmental Sciences
Andrew Turner
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kye Martin, Andrew Turner
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2019)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Andrew Turner
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elliot C. Smith, Andrew Turner
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sajjad Abbasi, Andrew Turner, Mohammad Hoseini, Hoda Amiri
Summary: This study isolated microplastics from soils collected from the Kavir and Lut Deserts on the Iranian plateau, with most of them having a fibrous nature and being composed of polyethylene terephthalate and Nylon. The majority of microplastics are likely brought into these desert environments from distant sources via wind, undergoing rapid transport, internal recycling, as well as significant photo-oxidation and mechanical weathering.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Montserrat Filella, Juan-Carlos Rodriguez-Murillo, Andrew Turner
Summary: Plastics from beaches of different lakes in Switzerland were found to contain potentially hazardous chemical elements. These elements mainly exist as additives, including pigments, stabilizers, and flame retardants. Comparing data from different lakes helps to understand the persistence of plastics in lakes and propose effective management schemes.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Biology
Jihae Park, Hojun Lee, Thai Binh Dinh, Soyeon Choi, Jonas De Saeger, Stephen Depuydt, Murray T. Brown, Taejun Han
Summary: Arthrospira maxima is a commercially important filamentous cyanobacterium rich in valuable cellular products. This study investigated the effects of pH and temperature on its growth conditions and demonstrated its tolerance to a range of pH conditions and hyper-accumulation of pigments at low temperatures. The study also introduced a new purification method for the production of phycocyanin from A. maxima.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emily L. Vernon, Awadhesh N. Jha, Maria F. Ferreira, Danielle L. Slomberg, Veronique Malard, Christian Grisolia, Mickael Payet, Andrew Turner
Summary: This study investigates the tissue-specific bioaccumulation, release, and genotoxic response of tritiated stainless steel particles in marine mussels. The study finds that the particles rapidly accumulate in the mussel tissues, especially in the digestive gland, but are readily rejected and expelled over longer periods of time. The absence of genotoxicity suggests that the rapid processing of the particles and limited dissolution of steel components prevent chemical toxicity effects.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sarah Tooms, Alison Stokes, Andrew Turner
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Millicent R. Payne, Andrew Turner
Summary: Abandoned boats are a growing problem in the coastal zone and have received limited attention. This study utilized Google Earth to remotely identify and gather information on abandoned boats in southern England. The survey revealed the presence of 266 abandoned boats mainly located in intertidal zones. The majority of these boats were made of timber and showed signs of damage and water-sediment ingression. The environmental impacts are expected to be significant, especially where clustered on protected mudflats.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Montserrat Filella, Johanna Brazard, Takuji B. M. Adachi, Andrew Turner
Summary: This study analyzed the presence of chemical elements in cleaning cloth products purchased in Europe. Titanium was the most frequently detected element, while lead was found to be a contaminant. Other chemical elements were also detected, possibly due to the presence of various additives.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrew Turner, Montserrat Filella
Summary: This study investigated the presence and concentrations of lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) in road paints from 236 samples collected from various locations in eleven European countries. The results showed high concentrations of Pb and Cr, with the presence of other lead-based pigments in some paints. Despite significant international differences, road paints containing Pb and Cr remain a pervasive environmental problem and potential health risk in European countries.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Montserrat Filella, Andrew Turner
Summary: This article aims to illustrate the complexity of integrating plastic chemicals into the global plastics treaty, particularly in reducing the complexity of the composition of plastic objects, to decision-makers and other stakeholders involved in the negotiations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Andrew Turner, Montserrat Filella
Summary: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a widely used thermoplastic material, but concerns exist over the release of harmful chemicals during its lifecycle. Metal-based stabilizers and flame retardants are commonly added to PVC, with potential risks to wildlife when ingested.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2021)