Desalination effects on macroalgae (part A): Laboratory-controlled experiments with Dictyota spp. from the Pacific Ocean and Mediterranean Sea

Desalination brines from direct seawater intake that get discharged to coastal areas may produce stress responses on benthic marine communities, mostly due its excess salinity, and especially sessile organisms; in this context, macroalgae have been understudied desalination ecotoxicological investigations. In study, we assessed the short- long-term cellular tolerance two brown species of genus Dictyota through controlled laboratory conditions. kunthii was collected eastern Pacific Ocean (average ~34 psu), whereas dichotoma Mediterranean Sea ~37 psu). Each exposed for up 7 days conditions with increased salinity values: +2 +7 psu above their natural average salinity. Photosynthetic parameters oxidative measurements were determined. The results showed that, both species, high values induced reduced photoinhibition ( F v /F m ) but primary productivity (ETR max light requirement (Ek ETR after days. Conversely, photosynthetic efficiency (? decreased hypersalinity treatments D. , while there no changes . reactive oxygen hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O greater at 3 lipid peroxidation decreases under time species. Despite evident H accumulation against hypersalinity, it did not damage important impairment apparatus. These contribute understanding strategies level spp., which be considered as potential candidates biomonitoring impacts field.