Studies on selected corallinaceae (Rhodophyta) and other algae in a defined marine culture medium

Abstract

A marine culture medium (MCM) has been developed and shown to have the unique ability to support the growth of several coralline algae. The results of experiments designed to determine the effects of varying certain ionic concentrations and buffers are presented for this defined medium. Optima of 5 mM Ca2+, 1 mM SO2-4 and 1 μM BO3-3 (lower than the respective sea-water levels) were found for growth or oxygen evolution in Corallina. No organic buffer was needed for growth of Corallinaceae, but growth stimulation was observed for a strain of Callithamnion (Ceramiaceae) when Tris-(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer was added. This stimulation could not be duplicated with other similar buffers. Results of growth studies with a diverse selection of marine macrophytes have indicated that MCM generally supports growth better than sea water alone but often not as well as enriched sea water. The best MCM growth results were observed with members of the Rhodophyceae and certain Chlorophyceae. © 1983.