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.