Viruses, Vol. 13, Pages 2163: A High Rate Algal Pond Hosting a Dynamic Community of RNA Viruses

This study explores a unique site, a high-rate algal pond (HRAP), for culturing industrially microalgae, to elucidate new RNA viruses. The importance of viral-host interactions in aquatic systems are well documented, and the ever-expanding microalgae industry is no exception. As the industry becomes a more important source of sustainable plastic manufacturing, a producer of cosmetic pigments and alternative protein sources, and a means of CO2 remediation in the face of climate change, studying microalgal viruses becomes a vital practice for proactive management of microalgae cultures at the industrial level. This study provides evidence of RNA microalgal viruses persisting in a CO2 remediation pilot project HRAP and uncovers the diversity of the RNA virosphere contained within it. Evidence shows that family Marnaviridae is cultured in the basin, alongside other potential microalgal infecting viruses (e.g., family Narnaviridae, family Totitiviridae, and family Yueviridae). Finally, we demonstrate that the RNA viral diversity of the HRAP is temporally dynamic across two successive culturing seasons.

Source: Viruses - October 26, 2021 Category: Virology Authors: Emily E. Chase Sonia Monteil-Bouchard Ang élique Gobet Felana H. Andrianjakarivony Christelle Desnues Guillaume Blanc Tags: Article Source Type: research