Sidi Boune Mohamed Vall: The lipid profile of epiphytic and benthic microalgae in the Banc d’Arguin

Sidi Boune Mohamed Vall

Summary of the project

Epiphytic lipids of the PNBA

The lipid profile of epiphytic and benthic microalgae from the Banc d’Arguin

Collaboration between the Molecular and Environmental Chemistry Unit (UCME) at the University of Nouakchott (Mauritania) and the BIP laboratory has shown that the grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) feeds, amongst other things, on diatoms. 

Thanks to the Mobilité 2025 project, funded by FairCarboN, we have identified a high abundance of epiphytic diatoms on seagrass beds and macroalgae. This fieldwork also revealed that epiphytic microalgae possess lipid droplets, made visible by Nile Red, whilst benthic microalgae do not appear to possess them. It was also observed that intracellular compartmentalisation differs between these two groups. 

Laboratory work carried out by the partners in the CO2_CMφ project, under controlled culture conditions and using model organisms, shows a correlation between subcellular organisation, energy metabolism and lipid profile. 

The 2026 research project will focus on determining the lipid profile of microalgae from the Banc d’Arguin (epiphytes and benthics). This study will enable us to link intracellular changes to the lipid profile, which has never before been studied in situ.