Identification and Monitoring of Microalgal Genera Potentially Capable of Forming Harmful Algal Blooms in Punta Galeta, Panama

Abstract

Coastal areas are attractive for human settlements because they allow easy access to benefits like food, security, and fishing. These aquatic ecosystems are supported by photosynthetic organisms that constitute the base of the food web. The term “Harmful Algal Bloom” (HAB) refers to the excessive proliferation of some taxa of these microorganisms reaching harmful levels to humans and other organisms. Biotoxins produced by these HABs could be transferred to the food chain and are the best-documented impact that HABs have on humans. The location and abundance of the HAB species producing the toxin is a good indicator of a possible human health hazard. The aim of this study was to monitor potentially harmful benthic/epibenthic microalgae in Punta Galeta, Panama over a 15-month period. The 3 main microalgae found were 2 dinoflagellates from the genera Prorocentrum and Ostreopsis and 1 diatom from the genus Coscinodiscus. Sampling made with both natural and artificial substrates yielded similar overall abundance patterns; however, for the macroalgae samples, there appeared to be significant host preferences for Ostreopsis and Coscinodiscus . Physicochemical measures taken at the site were found to fall within previously reported growth parameters for the microalgae found in the study.