Spatial diversity of microalgae in Simeulue Island, Indonesia

Microalgae naturally occur as valuable genetic resources for many industrial interests. However, the study on their diversity and potential as local strain resources, especially in Indonesia are limited. To assess the spatial diversity as basic information on exploring their further potential, we isolated microalgae from outer island-Simeulue, the Province of Aceh in four different habitats and locations. Seventeen cultures of microalgae were selected, purified, and maintained to the preferable conditions in IMK and AF6 media under light-based culture. Generally, the selected microalgae were referred to eukaryotic group based on morphological obsexrvation. BLASTn and phylogenetic analysis of 18S rRNA gene revealed 12 closely related species which are Chlorella kessleri, Chlorella sorokiniana, Oocystis heteromucosa, Stichococcus bacillaris, Coccomyxa melkonianii, Scenedesmus acuminatus, Scenedesmus bijugus, Coelastrella oocystiformis, Ankistrodesmus falcatus, Chlorococcum oleofaciens, Stigeoclonium tenue, and Planophila laetevirens. These species inhabit the spatial habitat and location of natural aquatic sources of Simeulue island. This study is expected to provide basic information for uncovering patterns of microalgae diversity and obtain new genetic resources for industrial uses as well as for taxonomic studies.