Temperature influence on silver nanoparticles inhibitory effect on photosystem II photochemistry in two green algae, Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella tertiolecta

Abdallah Oukarroum, Stephanie Polchtchikov, François Perreault, Radovan Popovic

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

71 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: In this study, the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the photosynthetic performance of two green algae, Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella tertiolecta, was investigated at 25°C and 31°C. Methods: To induce AgNPs effect, algal cells were exposed for 24 h to concentrations varying from 0 to 10 mg/L. The polyphasic OJIP fluorescence transient was used to evaluate photosystem II (PSII). Results: We show that growth media and temperature had different effects in AgNPs agglomerates formation and Zeta potential. When temperature conditions change, inhibitory effect of AgNPs also undergoes changes. Increase of temperature induced higher altering effects to PSII quantum yield, primary photosynthetic electron transport, and consequently higher decrease of total photosynthetic performance if compared to AgNPs effect alone. AgNPs has a negative effect on D. tertiolecta compared to C. vulgaris. Conclusion: We conclude that temperature tends to enhance the toxic effects on aquatic alga and these alterations might have serious consequences on ecosystem equilibrium and aquatic plant communities.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1755-1762
Number of pages8
JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research
Volume19
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chlorella vulgaris
  • Chlorophyll a fluorescence
  • Dunaliella tertiolecta
  • Silver nanoparticles
  • Temperature

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Pollution
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Temperature influence on silver nanoparticles inhibitory effect on photosystem II photochemistry in two green algae, Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella tertiolecta'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this