Exploring Northeast American and Asian species of Porphyra for use in an integrated finfish–algal aquaculture system

Many aquaculture industries generate a nutrient-rich waste stream that can lead to eutrophication of coastal waters. To address this environmental issue, the bioremediation potential of several native Northeast American species of Porphyra was assessed and compared to the well-known Asian species. Porphyra thalli were cultured over 4 weeks at 15 °C at a stocking density of 0.4 g FW L− 1. At 3- to 4-day intervals nutrient uptake, tissue N accumulation and phycobiliprotein concentration (PBP) were determined as functions of nitrogen (N) concentration (25–300 μM) and N source (nitrate vs. ammonium). Growth rates were measured weekly. Growth and tissue N reached maximal levels at inorganic N concentrations of 150–300 μM. Maximum growth rates ranged from 10% to 25% day− 1, although induction of archeospores reduced average growth rates in many cases. No evidence of ammonium toxicity (reductions in growth rate) was observed; in fact, similar values were found with both N sources. Ammonium generally yielded higher PBP and tissue N contents than nitrate. Porphyra amplissima presented the highest growth rate, followed by the Asian Porphyra yezoensis. Under the experimental conditions, Porphyra spp. removed 70–100% of N within 3–4 days at N concentrations up to 150 μM, but was less efficient in removing inorganic phosphorus (35–91% removal). The highest tissue N and PBP concentrations were found at 150–300 μM of N, with N values close to 7% DW. Overall, Porphyra appears to be an excellent choice for bioremediation of moderately eutrophic effluents, with the added benefit that tissue may be harvested for sale.