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Updated: Apr 23, 2026

High-Throughput Metabolic Profiling for Model Refinements of Microalgae
Published on: December 4, 2021
Uptake of PCBs contained in marine sediments by the green macroalga Ulva rigida
Donald Cheney1, Ljiljana Rajic2, Elizabeth Sly1
1Marine Science Center, Northeastern University, Nahant, MA 01938, USA.
Abstract:
The uptake of PCBs contained in marine sediments by the green macroalga Ulva rigida was investigated in both laboratory and field experiments. Under laboratory conditions, total PCBs (tPCBs) uptake was significantly greater in live vs dead plants. The concentration of tPCB taken up in live plants was greatest in the first 24h (1580 μg kg(-1) dry weight), and then increased at a lower rate from day 2 to 14. Dead plants had a significantly lower tPCB concentration after 24h (609 μg kg(-1) dry weight) and lower uptake rate through day 14. Lesser chlorinated PCB congeners (below 123) made up the majority of PCBs taken up. Congener composition in both laboratory and field experiments was correlated to congener logKow value and sediment content. Field experiments showed that Ulva plants could concentrate PCBs to 3.9 mg kg(-1) in 24h. Thus, U. rigida is capable of removing PCBs in sediments at a rapid rate.
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