Identification of microalgae cultured in Bold's Basal medium from freshwater samples, from a high-rise city

This study aimed at exploring microalgal heterogeneity from fresh water samples collected from inland water bodies in the heavily built city of Singapore. Culturable pure isolates (n=94) were subject to an in-house microalgal DNA extraction method and LSU rDNA sequencing. Isolates were analysed for their predominance and distribution. A total of 17 different algal genera were identified (H=2.8, E-H=0.6), of which Scenedesmus spp. and Chlorella spp. constituted 27.5% and 21.3% of isolates respectively, followed by Micractinium spp. (18.8%) and Chlamydomonas spp. (12.5%). We also report 16 new microalgal strains from this region. The data is important from an ecological and biotechnological perspective.

Automated summary

This study investigated the microalgal heterogeneity in fresh water samples collected from inland water bodies in Singapore. A total of 17 different algal genera were identified, with Scenedesmus and Chlorella spp. being the most predominant. The discovery of 16 new microalgal strains in this region is significant for ecological and biotechnological purposes.