Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026
11:26
Ecotoxicological Method with Marine Bacteria Vibrio anguillarum to Evaluate the Acute Toxicity of Environmental Contaminants
Published on: May 26, 2017
11.6K
Ecotoxicological Analysis of Acrylamide Using a Microalga as an Indicator Organism
Summary
Acrylamide exposure harms aquatic ecosystems, affecting algae growth and causing significant cell changes. This study found acrylamide concentrations of 5.88 mg/L are toxic to Desmodesmus quadricauda, impacting water safety.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Algology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Aquatic ecosystems face contamination risks, necessitating rapid toxicity assessments for environmental safety.
- Acrylamide is a common industrial chemical with potential ecotoxicological impacts.
- Desmodesmus quadricauda (Chlorophyceae) is a key freshwater alga sensitive to environmental changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the toxic effects of acrylamide on the freshwater alga Desmodesmus quadricauda.
- To determine the median effective concentration (EC50) of acrylamide for D. quadricauda.
- To investigate acrylamide-induced morphological and physiological alterations in D. quadricauda.
Main Methods:
- Cells of Desmodesmus quadricauda in exponential growth were exposed to varying acrylamide concentrations for 72 hours.
- Light microscopy was used to analyze cell density, coenobia formation, cell dimensions, and biovolume.
- Chlorophyll a concentration was measured to assess physiological impact.
Main Results:
- The EC50 of acrylamide for Desmodesmus quadricauda was determined to be 5.88 mg/L.
- Significant morphological changes, including increased phenotypic plasticity and altered cell dimensions, were observed.
- A notable increase in single-celled coenobia occurred after 24 and 48 hours of exposure to the EC50 concentration.
Conclusions:
- Acrylamide poses a threat to aquatic life, impacting not only growth but also inducing phenotypic plasticity in algae.
- The observed effects suggest acrylamide contamination can disrupt freshwater ecosystem health.
- High concentrations of acrylamide in water supplies may present risks to aquatic organisms.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:39Indicators
61.1K
Certain organic substances change color in dilute solution when the hydronium ion concentration reaches a particular value. For example, phenolphthalein is a colorless substance in any aqueous solution with a hydronium ion concentration greater than 5.0 × 10−9 M (pH < 8.3). In more basic solutions where the hydronium ion concentration is less than 5.0 × 10−9 M (pH > 8.3), it is red or pink. Substances such as phenolphthalein, which can be used to determine the pH of a solution, are...
61.1K
01:29Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
2.9K
Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving technique for managing acute respiratory failure and other respiratory complications. The process involves using a machine known as a ventilator to supply oxygen to the lungs and assist in removing carbon dioxide. It serves as a bridge to long-term mechanical ventilation or a temporary measure until ventilatory support is discontinued. The ventilator can maintain this function for a prolonged period, providing critical support for patients until they can...
2.9K
01:19Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
1.8K
Respiratory assessment is a cornerstone of nursing assessments, crucial for the early detection of patient deterioration. This evaluation transcends routine procedures, representing a critical skill nurses must master to ensure optimal patient care.
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
1.8K
01:09Levels of Organization
141.7K
Biological organization is the classification of biological structures, ranging from atoms at the bottom of the hierarchy to the Earth's biosphere. Each level of the hierarchy represents an increase in complexity that builds upon the previous level.
Molecules Are Composed of Atoms, and Biomolecules Are Assembled from Molecules:
The most basic levels include atoms, molecules, and biomolecules. Atoms, the smallest unit of ordinary matter, are composed of a nucleus and electrons. Molecules...
Molecules Are Composed of Atoms, and Biomolecules Are Assembled from Molecules:
The most basic levels include atoms, molecules, and biomolecules. Atoms, the smallest unit of ordinary matter, are composed of a nucleus and electrons. Molecules...
141.7K
01:31Accessory Organs
74.5K
Accessory organs are those that participate in the digestion of food but do not come into direct contact with it like the mouth, stomach, or intestine do. Accessory organs secrete enzymes into the digestive tract to facilitate the breakdown of food.
74.5K
03:02Organic Compounds
57.6K
All living things are formed mostly of carbon compounds called organic compounds. The category of organic compounds includes both natural and synthetic compounds that contain carbon. Although a single, precise definition has yet to be identified by the chemistry community, most agree that a defining trait of organic molecules is the presence of carbon as the principal element, bonded to hydrogen and other carbon atoms. However, some carbon-containing compounds such as carbonates, cyanides, and...
57.6K