Carotenoids and Fatty Acids Composition of Coelastrella ferroedaphica Sp. Nov. (Chlorophyta, Scenedesmaceae)

A newly identified species of Chlorophyceae, Coelastrella ferroedaphica sp. nov., is described. The alga was isolated from the biological soil crust of the spotted shrub-lichen tundra. The taxonomic classification is supported by morphological, molecular, and chemotaxonomic data. Phylogenetic analyses of partial 18S rDNA, ITS1–ITS2, and tufA gene sequences confirmed that Coelastrella ferroedaphica is distinct from other Coelastrella species. The strain SYKOA Ch-072-17 contained sixteen fatty acids, with α-linolenic acid as the most abundant (up to 40%). The photosynthetic pigment profile included the carotenoids: neoxanthin (24% of total carotenoids), violaxanthin (38%), antheraxanthin (4%), lutein and zeaxanthin (63%), and β‑carotene (37%). Additionally, we detected biologically active ketocarotenoid astaxanthin. The species Coelastrella ferroedaphica is promising for use in biotechnology.