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The uptake of arsenicals by the marine algae Isochrysis galbana and Dunaliella tertiolecta

University of British Columbia

Two marine algae, Isochrysis galbana and Dunaliella tertiolecta, were grown in the presence of arsenate, arsenite, monomethylarsonate (MMA), and dimethylarsinate (DMA). Cell growth was monitored by using in vivo fluorescence and cell density measurements. The effects of different levels of arsenicals on the arsenic uptake were examined using Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption (HGAA) Spectrometry and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption (GFAA) Spectrometry. The spin-echo ¹H NMR spectra of these algae are reported. Significant arsenic uptake and incorporation occurred when both algae were subjected to elevated levels of arsenicals. I. galbana was most affected by arsenite at the range of concentrations tested (2 - 8 ppm). Total incorporation is also the highest in this medium. The alga seems to be able to adapt to high arsenate concentrations. D. tertiolecta was most affected by elevated levels of arsenate (10.7 ppm). Water soluble extracts of algal cells grown in this medium contain at least four arsenicals which possibly include arsenate and arsenite. Growth of both algae was not affected by DMA at the levels examined. Growth enhancement is observed in all MMA treated cultures. Arsenic speciation of the residual media showed that both algae can reduce arsenate to arsenite.

Text

2010-10-15

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/29198

Chemistry

University of British Columbia

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