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Phycotoxicity of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate
G Chawla1, P N Viswanathan, S Devi
1Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, India.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), a detergent component, harms the blue-green alga Nostoc muscorum. Even low doses reduce biomass, protein, and alter cell structure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Algal biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Synthetic detergents are widely used, leading to environmental contamination.
- Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) is a primary surfactant in detergents.
- Blue-green algae, like Nostoc muscorum, are vital primary producers in aquatic ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxic effects of LAS on the cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum.
- To determine the dose- and time-dependent responses of Nostoc muscorum to LAS exposure.
- To assess the impact of LAS on key physiological and morphological parameters of Nostoc muscorum.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory experiments were conducted exposing Nostoc muscorum cultures to varying concentrations of LAS.
- Measurements included biomass, heterocyst count, total protein content, and pathomorphological observations.
- Exposure durations were varied to establish time-dependent effects.
Main Results:
- LAS exhibited toxicity to Nostoc muscorum at concentrations above 0.001%.
- Significant decreases in biomass, heterocyst number, and protein content were observed with increasing LAS dose and exposure time.
- Pathomorphological alterations in algal cells were evident, indicating cellular damage.
Conclusions:
- LAS poses a significant toxic threat to Nostoc muscorum, impacting its growth and cellular integrity.
- The observed effects are dependent on both the concentration of LAS and the duration of exposure.
- These findings highlight the potential ecological risks of detergent pollution to vital aquatic microorganisms.