Release of anti-cyanobacterial allelochemicals from aquatic and terrestrial plants applicable for artificial floating islands

Abstract

Certain aquatic and/or terrestrial plants have been used as artificial floating island systems in water pollution control. This research was carried out to confirm the release of anti-cyanobacterial allelochemicals from aquatic and terrestrial plants suitable for artificial floating island systems. A series of cyanobacterial assays using the culture solution extracts of umbrella plant (Cyperus alternifolius) and Canna (Canna generalis) demonstrated the release of anti-cyanobacterial allelochemicals. GC/MS analysis of the solid extract of C. alternifolius culture solution indicated the existence of 9 phenolic compounds [resorcinol, 3-hydroxy benzoic acid, 4-hydroxy benzoic acid, (4-hydroxyphenyl) acetic acid, vanillic acid, protocatechuic acid, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, and ferulic acid], and 4 carboxylic compounds (azelaic acid, butanedioic acid, dehydroabietic acid, and malic acid) in which anti-cyanobacterial compounds were involved.