To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the efficiency of Allium sativum hydro-alcoholic extract (ASE) againstFigure growth, biofilm development, and soluble factor production of more than 200 biodeteriogenic microbial strains isolated from cultural heritage objects and buildings. The plant extract composition and antioxidant activities were determined spectrophotometrically and by HPLC–MS. The bioevaluation consisted of the qualitative (adapted diffusion method) and the quantitative evaluation of the inhibitory effect on planktonic growth (microdilution method), biofilm formation (violet crystal microtiter method), and production of microbial enzymes and organic acids. The garlic extract efficiency was correlated with microbial strain taxonomy and isolation source (the fungal strains isolated from paintings and paper and bacteria from wood, paper, and textiles were the most susceptible). The garlic extract contained thiosulfinate (307.66 ± 0.043 µM/g), flavonoids (64.33 ± 7.69 µg QE/g), and polyphenols (0.95 ± 0.011 mg GAE/g) as major compounds and demonstrated the highest efficiency against the Aspergillus versicolor (MIC 3.12–6.25 mg/mL), A. ochraceus (MIC: 3.12 mg/mL), Penicillium expansum (MIC 6.25–12.5 mg/mL), and A. niger (MIC 3.12–50 mg/mL) strains. The extract inhibited the adherence capacity (IIBG% 95.08–44.62%) and the production of cellulase, organic acids, and esterase. This eco-friendly solution shows promising potential for the conservation and safeguarding of tangible cultural heritage, successfully combating the biodeteriogenic microorganisms without undesirable side effects for the natural ecosystems.

Zoosporic parasites (i.e. fungi and fungi-like aquatic microorganisms) constitute important drivers of natural populations, causing severe host mortality. Economic impacts of parasitic diseases are notable in the microalgae biotech industry, affecting production of food ingredients, biofuels, pharma- and nutraceuticals. While scientific research on this topic is gaining traction by increasing studies elucidating the functional role of zoosporic parasites in natural ecosystems, we are currently lacking integrated and interdisciplinary efforts for effectively detecting and controlling parasites in the microalgae industry. To fill this gap we propose to establish an innovative, dynamic European network connecting scientists, industries and stakeholders to optimize information exchange, equalize access to resources and to develop a joint research agenda. ParAqua aims at compiling and making available all information on the occurrence of zoosporic parasites and their relationship with hosts, elucidate drivers and evaluate impacts of parasitism in natural and man-made aquatic environments. We aim to implement new tools for monitoring and prevention of infections, and to create protocols and a Decision Support Tool for detecting and controlling parasites in the microalgae biotech production. Applied knowledge on zoosporic parasites can feed back from industry to ecology, and we therefore will explore whether the developed tools can be applied for monitoring lakes and reservoirs. Short-Term Scientific Missions and Training Schools will be organised specifically for early stage scientists and managers – with a specific focus on ITC – with the aim to share and integrate both scientific and applied expertise and increase exchange between basic and applied researchers and stakeholders.

Environmental genetics-related modern methods are shown as important indicators of various cyanotoxins syntheses, and their knowledge and use are critically analyzed. Microcystins and other cyanotoxins loads and syntheses are related to different drivers, like various chemical elements and compounds (especially nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and their ratio), then to the light, conductivity, temperature, and other climatical and hydrological factors, to which spatial and geographical features (such as the surface of the water bodies) have to be added. The biotic relationships include different specific and supraspecific, uni- and bilateral links between the cyanobacteria, and subsequently their synthesized toxins, and protozoans (or protoctists), chromists, macrophytes, different systematical and ecological groups of zooplankton, and others. The importance of, but also the gaps in, the knowledge and the scarcity of studies involving ectocrines mediated interactions between different groups of algae and plants are highlighted. The paper ends with an interesting classification of lakes' trophicity, illustrated with conceptual diagrams, based on possible scenarios of cyanobacteria behavior.

Starting from the well-known fact that a poor ecological status is associated with increasing phytoplankton abundance, greater proportions of cyanobacteria, and more frequent and intense toxic blooms, the main purpose of this chapter was to investigate abiotic and biotic factors influencing the ecology of Cyanobacteria populations and the expression of their toxigenic potential, by presenting results and conclusion both from field and laboratory studies found in the literature so far. A general overview of the complexity of factors is summarized at the end of the review in five scenarios about the Cyanobacteria behavior in freshwater ecosystems under different ecological statuses.

Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. also known as common reed, plays an essential role in Romania`s ecotonal areas. These plants contribute significantly to soil stabilization and erosion prevention due to their extensive root system. They are also efficient water filters and purifiers by retaining nutrients and pollutants. Additionally, P. australis provides habitat and food for a variety of animal and plant species, thereby supporting local biodiversity. However, in some cases, it can become invasive and negatively affect local ecosystems, requiring management measures to maintain ecological balance. The accumulation of heavy metals in P. australis in ecotonal areas in Romania can be attributed to several factors: Industrial and urban pollution: Industrial and urban activities release heavy metals into the environment, which end up in the soil and water. P. australis can absorb these metals through its roots. Intensive agriculture: The use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture can contribute to heavy metal contamination of soil and water in ecotonal areas. Atmospheric deposition: Heavy metals can be dispersed over long distances via airborne and by their deposition on soil and water, becoming available to plants as P. australis. The physicochemical characteristics of the sediment and water influence the mobility, bioavailability and absorption of heavy metals by reeds. P. australis has the ability to bioaccumulate heavy metals, which makes it useful in phytoremediation processes, but also vulnerable to contamination in polluted environments.