COLONY SHEATH REDUCTION FOR IMPROVED HYDROCARBON RECOVERY FROM BOTRYOCOCCUS BRAUNII

Abstract

Dinoflagellate cysts play a crucial role in the preservation of dinoflagellate species in the geological record. However, little is known about the effects of different oxygen regimes on the survival of these cysts. In this study, we investigated the differences in the preservation potential of dinoflagellate cysts in oxygenated and anoxic environments. Results showed that there was a significant difference in survival rates between cysts in oxygen-rich environments compared to those in anoxic sediments. After the first year, only 5% of cysts remained alive in oxygen-rich environments compared to 21% in anoxic environments. Our findings suggest that the oxygen availability in sediments plays a crucial role in the preservation of dinoflagellate cysts. The study also emphasizes the importance of dinoflagellate cysts in the ecology of marine and freshwater environments, including their role as primary producers and their notorious ability to form toxic algal blooms. Overall, this study provides new insights into the preservation potential of dinoflagellate cysts in different oxygen regimes, which could have significant implications for our understanding of their evolution and fossil record.