Concise review ofCladophoraspp.: macroalgae of commercial interest

This study includes information about the most common freshwater and marine species from the genusCladophorasuch as classification, taxonomy and morphology, ecology, occurrence and distribution, population and community structure, harvesting and culture conditions, chemical composition, and utilization. Habitat requirements and development optima are different for species belonging to the commonly recorded genusCladophora. The majorityCladophoraspecies are distributed throughout the world, in both the moderate and tropical zones. Of the species noted from Europe, only 15 are characterized for freshwaters, both flowing and standing. In small water bodies, these green algae are very common and occur almost everywhere: in lakes, dam reservoirs, large rivers occur mainly in the coastal littoral zone. A commonly occurring species of macroscopic green algae isCladophora glomerata. Habitat parameters have shown that the distribution pattern of filamentous green algae taxa is determined by two different gradients: (i) depth-temperature, light availability, oxygen concentration; and (ii) trophy-nitrate and orthophosphate concentration. A fast growth rate ofCladophorais very effective under good light condition and high concentration of nutrients. Species of the generaCladophorahave been determined to be early spring or summer organisms. The biomass ofCladophoracan be successfully applied as a raw material for production of value-added products. In this review,Cladophoraspecies are discussed in terms of their chemical composition, as well as potential applications in many areas, for example human and animal health, agriculture (organic fertilizers, biostimulants of plant growth, feed additives), environmental protection (bioindicator of pollution/contamination, sorbent of pollutants from wastewater), renewable source of energy (biogas, bioethanol), and high-tech composite materials.

Automated summary

This study provides information on various aspects of commonly found Cladophora species, including classification, distribution, and habitat requirements. Different species within the genus have varying habitat preferences and development optimas. The distribution of these green algae is influenced by multiple environmental factors, with only a few species adapted to freshwater environments in Europe.