Uptake and Effects of Cylindrospermopsin: Biochemical, Physiological and Biometric Responses in The Submerged Macrophyte Egeria densa Planch

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is being detected in surface waters more commonly and frequently worldwide. This stable, extracellular cyanotoxin causes protein synthesis inhibition, thus posing a risk to aquatic biota, including macrophytes, which serve as primary producers. Nevertheless, data regarding the effects caused by environmental concentrations of CYN is still limited. In the presented study, the uptake of CYN at environmental concentrations by the submerged macrophyte Egeria densa was investigated. Bioaccumulation, changes in the plant biomass, as well as shoot-length were assessed as responses. Variations in the cellular H2O2 levels, antioxidative enzyme activities, as well as concentrations and ratios of the photosynthetic pigments were also measured. E. densa removed 54% of CYN within 24 h and up to 68% after 336 h; however, CYN was not bioaccumulated. The antioxidative enzyme system was activated by CYN exposure. Pigment concentrations decreased with exposure but normalized after 168 h. The chlorophyll a to b ratio increased but normalized quickly thereafter. Carotenoids and the ratio of carotenoids to total chlorophylls increased after 96 h suggesting participation in the antioxidative system. Growth stimulation was observed. The ability to remove CYN and resistance to CYN toxicity within 14 days proved E. densa as suitable for phytoremediation; nonetheless, prolonged exposure (32 days) resulted in adverse effects related to CYN uptake, which needs to be studied further.