Participation of the Green Algae Ulvaria obscura in Bioremediation of Sea Water from Oil Products

Abstract

Participation of green algae in bioremediation of sea water from oil products (OPs) has been studied. Decrease in the content of OPs in water is accompanied by their accumulation by the alga Ulvaria obscura (Chlorophyta). It has been assumed that neutralization of OPs in Ulvaria occurs, similarly to Fucus vesiculosus (Phaeophyta), all over the thallome: destruction of OPs starts on the alga surface by epiphytic hydrocarbonoxidizing bacteria providing absorption and subsequent degradation of OPs by plant cells. The role of macrophytes in bioremediation of coastal areas from OPs is considerably higher than previously supposed.