International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 29-36 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ija 29 Research Article Open Access Application of Algae Biomarkers in Water Quality Monitoring Christina Jin1 ,YuluPan 2 1 Zhuji Water Industry Technology Testing Co., Ltd., Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China 2 Zhuji Huanjiang Water Co., Ltd., Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: 395144734@qq.com International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol.14, No.1 doi: 10.5376/ija.2024.14.0004 Received: 21 Nov., 2024 Accepted: 28 Jan., 2024 Published: 20 Feb., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Jin and Pan, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Jin C., and Pan Y.L., 2024, Application of algae biomarkers in water quality monitoring, International Journal of Aquaculture, 14(1): 29-36 (doi: 10.5376/ija.2024.14.0004) Abstract The widespread application of algal bioindicators in water quality monitoring is a current research focus. Its application not only provides a profound understanding of aquatic health but also offers valuable insights for the future development of water quality monitoring systems. The combination of laboratory research and field monitoring provides reliable data support for the practical application of algal bioindicators. Differences in the application of algae in various water types highlight their flexibility and adaptability in water quality monitoring. The future prospects of algal bioindicators in water quality monitoring will be driven by technological innovations, big data, and artificial intelligence. This review comprehensively elucidates the importance of algae as bioindicators in water quality monitoring and their practical significance. By analyzing the response mechanisms of algae to pollutants, their applications in different water types, and future directions, the critical role of algae in water quality monitoring is revealed. This provides a comprehensive perspective for better understanding changes in water quality, enhancing the accuracy and comprehensiveness of monitoring. Keywords Algae; Water quality monitoring; Bioindicators; Ecological adaptability; Practical application Global water quality issues have prompted urgent concerns worldwide regarding water quality monitoring. With the continuous degradation of the environment, the health of aquatic ecosystems is facing unprecedented threats, particularly the reduction in benthic biodiversity. The urgency of this issue has become a global consensus, driving continuous innovation and improvement in water quality monitoring methods. As primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, algae play a key role in maintaining aquatic ecological balance. Through photosynthesis, they convert sunlight energy into organic matter, providing an energy source for the entire ecosystem. The species and quantity of algae regulate important processes in water, such as nutrient cycling and oxygen production. The structure of algal communities in water directly influences the stability of the entire aquatic ecosystem. Different types of algae play distinct roles in the water, including oxygen release and the food source for benthic organisms (Hu, 2023). Therefore, the richness and diversity of algae serve as important indicators of aquatic ecosystem health. Algae are highly sensitive to changes in water quality, exhibiting early responses to environmental changes. Their ecological adaptability and diversity make them ideal biological indicators, offering comprehensive information for water quality monitoring. By monitoring the structure and composition of algal communities, researchers can detect problems in water bodies early on, such as eutrophication and pollutant input. As one of the dominant organisms in aquatic ecosystems, algae play a crucial role in the overall balance of water ecosystems. Their position in the food chain and regulation of nutrient cycling make them ideal biological indicators (Mohsenpour et al., 2021). Traditional water quality monitoring methods often focus too much on specific indicators, making it challenging to comprehensively and dynamically reflect the condition of water bodies. Faced with new environmental challenges and the need for water management, water industry professionals urgently require more comprehensive and efficient water quality monitoring methods to better guide the sustainable use and protection of water resources. Through monitoring algal communities, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the health of water bodies while providing insights into other biological communities and the entire aquatic ecosystem.
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