A groundbreaking study by the University of South Florida has identified viruses in red tide blooms for the first time, potentially paving the way for new biocontrol methods and improved forecasting of these harmful events.
In a significant breakthrough, scientists at the University of South Florida (USF) have identified viruses in red tide blooms for the first time, shedding light on the potential environmental drivers of these harmful algal events. This landmark study, published in the journal mSphere of the American Society for Microbiology, opens the door to innovative methods for controlling and predicting red tide.
The research focused on Karenia brevis, the single-celled organism responsible for producing red tide. This marine dinoflagellate releases neurotoxins harmful to marine life and humans, causing not only ecological damage but also economic losses in coastal communities.
By analyzing water samples collected off the coast of southwest Florida, the USF team discovered multiple viruses present in red tide blooms, including a previously unknown viral species.
“We know that viruses play an important role in the dynamics of harmful algal blooms, but we haven’t known what viruses might be associated with Karenia brevis blooms,” lead author Jean Lim, a postdoctoral researcher at the USF College of Marine Science (CMS), said in a news release. “Now that we’ve identified several viruses in red tide blooms, we can work to determine which viruses might have an influence on these events.”
The method used to identify these viruses, known as viral metagenomics, was pioneered by Mya Breitbart, a Distinguished University Professor at CMS and senior author of the study. This technique allows researchers to explore the viral community within complex environmental samples.
“Given the severe consequences of red tide events, it is surprising that no viruses infecting K. brevis have been described,” Breitbart added. “Viral metagenomics is a great tool for exploring viruses associated with these harmful algal blooms.”
Red tide blooms are naturally occurring yet complex phenomena, influenced by environmental factors like ocean circulation, nutrient concentration and climate change. The toxins emitted by K. brevis can cause massive fish kills, respiratory problems for humans and severe impacts on local tourism and fishing industries.
Current monitoring methods, such as analyzing satellite images of chlorophyll concentrations and field samples, provide some forecasting ability. However, the identification of viruses associated with red tide opens new avenues for monitoring and potentially controlling these blooms.
“There may be a correlation between viral abundances and bloom dynamics,” Lim added. “For example, an increase in the number of viruses found in a sample might suggest that a red tide bloom is about to begin, or that it is going to end. Researchers could use information about viral abundances to help predict bloom cycles.”
The potential application of viruses as biocontrol agents represents a forward-thinking approach to managing red tide.
“There could be specific viruses that may only infect Karenia brevis,” Lim added. “If we can identify and isolate those viruses, they may be used as a biocontrol agent that won’t have a broader negative impact on marine ecosystems.”
Moving forward, Lim and her team plan to investigate whether the identified viruses impact K. brevis directly or affect other species connected to red tide blooms. This research could pave the way for more effective, environmentally safe methods to mitigate the devastation caused by red tide, providing a beacon of hope for affected communities and ecosystems.
Source: University of South Florida