Algal physiology and related biochemical parameters on red and green snow (King George Island, Antarctica)

Abstract

Snow algae as primary producers can thrive when snow start to melt during spring and summer. Red and green snow caused by algal bloom is common on glaciers and snowfields worldwide. A detailed knowledge of snow algal biochemical compounds is crucial for understanding their survival strategies underlying rapid climate change, since these algae are potentially exposed to high level sunlight and UV irradiation. Hence, we collected red and green snow samples containing algae at the vicinity of penguin rockeries on February 2017 in the King George Island (62° 13' S, 58° 47' W, near the King Sejong Station), Antarctica. Spectral profiling and MAAs (mycosporine-like amino acids) were differences between red and green algae. Particularly in red snow algae, a high absorbance between 450-600 nm was observed, due to naturally occurring secondary carotenoids. Similarly, the average MAAs concentration was 315.4 μg L-1 in red algae, higher than those of green (228.6 μg L-1). Therefore, biochemical compounds of snow algae are important for understanding their unique life in extreme habitats and for determining the effect of algae on global change.