Madeleine Sjoelund is an international student from Sweden currently pursuing her master's of Marine Biology at James Cook University with a major in research. Before that, a double bachelor's degree was undertaken in Marine Sciences and Biology at Gothenburg University, Sweden from 2019 to 2022. During her bachelor's degree, a bachelor's thesis was conducted in Málaga, Spain, on "Analysing Temperature Tolerance of the Invasive Alga Rugulopteryx okamurae in the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar".

Bioremediation potential for macroalgae Ulva ohnoi, Caulerpa taxifolia and Chaetomorpha sp. to remove BPA and DEHP from water

2022 to 2024

Project Description

The project aims to determine the bioremediation potential of three macroalgal
species: Ulva ohnoi, Caulerpa taxifolia, and Chaetomorpha sp., in removing Bisphenol-A and Di-2-
Ethylhexyl phthalate from water. This includes to analyzing the uptake rate, accumulation rate, and degradation of these plasticizers, as well as the health of the algae during constant exposure.

Project Importance

BPA and DEHP are two harmful substances that leach out from plastic compounds. Both of these additives serve as endocrine disruptors, which means that they can mimic hormonal effects and cause hormonal disturbances in animals. In recent years, their presence and impact in aquaculture settings have been investigated, where toxic effects have been observed in organisms such as seaweed, shrimp, and fish. This research would give novel methods of removing BPA and DEHP from water by using macroalgae as a filter.

Project Methods

The project will include acute and chronic exposures of macroalgae to BPA and DEHP. The photosynthetic properties, BPA/DEHP in water, BPA/DEHP in algal tissue, and growth will be analysed. The photosynthetic properties will be determined using a Pulse Amplitude Modulated fluorometer, a High-Performance liquid chromatography will be used to analyse BPA/DEHP concentration in the water, a Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry will be used to analyse BPA/DEHP concentration in the algal tissue, and growth will be measured by weighing the algal content. Algal tissue samples will also be freeze-dried.

Project Results

The results will help to determine the efficiency of different macroalgae to remove BPA and DEHP from water, which can be applicable to aquaculture settings, as well as water cleaning and sewage treatment facilities. How fast, and how much of the plasticizers different species of macroalgae can accumulate will be determined, as well as if they can degrade BPA or DEHP. This will give insight into whether the macroalgae can be used in other industries after serving as a filter or if they are contaminated.

Keywords

Algae,
Aquaculture,
Benthic,
Controlled Environment,
Ecology,
Intertidal,
Mariculture,
Pelagic,
Pollution