Abstract
This research first verified that prokaryotic algae are more sensitive to toxicity of CuO nanoparticles (CuO NPs) than eukaryotic algae and that CuO NPs damaged photosynthesis of prokaryotic algae (Arthrospira sp.) but had no effect on respiration. The Cu2+ released by CuO NPs caused a bending deformation of the thylakoid, which was an important cause of the decline in photosynthetic capacity. In addition, the D1 protein was the most susceptible site to CuO NPs. The degradation of D1 protein reduced photosynthetic electron transport, which enhanced the excess excitation energy to cause the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to further result in oxidative stress on algae. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) increased the toxicity of CuO NPs to photosynthesis of Arthrospira sp. The damage of photosynthesis caused by CuO NPs is an important reason why CuO NPs have a serious toxicity to algae.
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Funding
This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [31370304, 31370276, 31701966] and the State Key Basic Research and Development Plan of China [2015CB150105].
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Xingkai Che and Ruirui Ding designed the research; Xingkai Che, Ruirui Ding, Qiang Zhang, Yujie Li, Qi Sun, Yuting Li, and Zishan Zhang performed all of the research; Xingkai Che, Ruirui Ding, Wei Wang, and Huiyuan Gao wrote the article. Funding acquisition was supported by Zishan Zhang, Wei Wang, and Huiyuan Gao.
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Che, X., Ding, R., Zhang, Q. et al. The severe toxicity of CuO nanoparticles to the photosynthesis of the prokaryotic algae Arthrospira sp. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28, 54105–54116 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-14341-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-14341-3