Hydrology: Current Research

Diatoms for Omics Applications in Water Monitoring

Abstract

Raquel N. Carvalho, Diana C. Antonio and Teresa Lettieri

Diatoms are driving forces in marine and freshwater ecosystems by sustaining aquatic food webs and by having leading roles in the fixation of carbon and silica. The morphological diversity of the silicified cell walls from different diatom species has for long been exploited for the biotic characterization of environmental samples. Diatomic indices based on microscopic approaches have been developed and are broadly accepted, with some being able to correlate with the eutrophication level or pollution conditions. Moreover, molecular-based diatomic indices are expected to replace existing indices because of their increased sensitivity. Recent developments in omics technologies, coupled with bioinformatic tools for complex omics data analysis is opening the door for the use of diatoms as target organisms in the assessment of water quality using molecular biomarkers. Accordingly, fully sequenced diatom species are currently being applied to toxicological studies aiming to unveil the mode of action of pollutants. It is envisioned that molecular studies in diatoms will become major tools in the ecological assessment of environmental samples, matching the key role of these organisms in the ecosystem.