Isolation and Identification of Green Microalgae from Northern Jordan

Abstract

In light of the rapid and extreme changes in climate and the steady depletion of natural resources, there is an urgent need to find innovative and sustainable solutions to these problems. Microorganisms such as microalgae can offer viable solutions to these challenges. Proper investment in such organisms requires the identification of the algal species that inhabit the region. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate and molecularly characterize green microalgae that inhabit freshwater at different locations in the governorates of Irbid and Ajloun in the northern region of Jordan. Water samples collected from these regions were used to isolate single colonies, some of which exhibited different morphological characteristics. Genomic DNA was extracted from the isolates and used as a template for PCR amplification of the 18S ribosomal DNA gene (18S rDNA) and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Phylogenetic trees were constructed based on 18S rDNA and ITS PCR product sequences, which were used to identify the isolates at the genus level. The obtained isolates belonged to three genera; Coelastrella, Desmodesmus, and Monoraphidium. The latter species has not been previously reported in Jordan.