In this investigation, ecotoxicity of nano and micro metal oxides, namely silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3), on the growth of green algae (Porphyridium aerugineum Geitler) is discussed. Effects of nano and micro particles on the growth, chlorophyll content and protein content of algae are analysed using standard protocols. Results indicate that SiO2 nano and micro SiO2 particles are non-toxic to P. aerugineum Geitler up to a concentration of 1000 mg/L. In addition, Al2O3 microparticles are less toxic to P. aerugineum Geitler, whereas Al2O3 nanoparticles are found to be highly toxic at 1000 mg/L. Moreover, Al2O3 nanoparticles decrease the growth, chlorophyll content, and protein content of tested algae. In addition, zeta potential and contact angle are also important in enhancing the toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles in aquatic environment. This study highlights a new insight into toxicity evaluation of nanoparticles on beneficial aquatic organisms such as algae.
Key Words
nano metal oxides; Porphyridium aerugineum Geitler; chlorophyll content; zeta potential; contact angle; protein content
Address
Gopalu Karunakaran — Centre for Nanoscience and Technology, K. S. Rangasamy College of Technology, Tiruchengode-637215, Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Biotechnology, K. S. Rangasamy College of Arts and Science, Tiruchengode-637215, Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Functional Nanosystems and High-Temperature Materials, National University of Science and Technology \"MISiS\", Leninskiy Pr. 4, Moscow, 119049, Russia
Rangaraj Suriyaprabha, Venkatachalam Rajendran — Centre for Nanoscience and Technology, K. S. Rangasamy College of Technology, Tiruchengode-637215, Tamil Nadu, India
Narayanasamy Kannan — Department of Biotechnology, K. S. Rangasamy College of Arts and Science, Tiruchengode-637215, Tamil Nadu, India
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