Microalgal Diversity at Antarctica

The major objectives of this project are as follows:
1. To document the biodiversity of microalgae at Antarctica
2. To investigate impacts such as global warming, increased UV radiation and
nutrient enrichment on the physiological adaptation of Antarctic microalgae, in
comparison with tropical and temperate collections.

This is done by:
1. conducting an ecological survey of microalgal distribution at specific sites
at Antarctica, especially those impacted by human activities.
2. isolating and purifying microalgae collected from Antarctica.
3. identifying the microalgal isolates based on morphological (light and
electron microscopy), biochemical (pigments and fatty acids) and molecular
(gene sequences) characteristics.
4. investigating the physiological adaptation of Antarctic microalgae under
extreme environments, especially in relation to the impacts of global warming,
increased UV radiation and nutrient enrichment, in comparison with tropical and
temperate species.

The principal milestones of the project are as follows:
1. Database of microalgal distribution at specific sites in Antarctica.
2. Establishment of cultures of mircoalgae from Antarctica.
3. Completion of characterization and identification of Antarctic microalgae.
4. Completion of the studies on the physiological adaptation of selected
Antarctic microalgae, in comparison with tropical and temperate collections.

In collaboration with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) we have gone on
several expeditions to Casey, Antarctica. A collection of Antarctic microalgae
has been established and is deposited in the University of Malaya Algae Culture
Collection (UMACC). Comparative studies on the response of Antarctic, Tropical
and Temperate microalgae to temperature and UVR stress are being conducted.
Molecular basis of the adaptive mechanisms of the microalgae are also being
investigated. In addition, the biochemical characterization of oxidative stress
enzymes, especially superoxide dismutase (SOD) is in progress. The data set
consists of the species list of Antarctic microalgae in our collection, and the
effect of temperature and UVR on the growth and fatty acid profiles of selected
Antarctic microalgae.