The effects of a water-soluble alpha tetra-substituted zinc phthalocyanine derivative on Arthrospira platensis-M2 strain

Abstract

In this study, we have analyzed the effect a newly synthesized water-soluble alpha tetra-substituted zinc phthalocyanine (Pc) compound on superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities and biomass accumulation in the Arthrospira platensis-M2 strain to test whether this compound could be used as an algaecide or not. We found that lower concentrations (3 mu g mL(-1) and 6 mu g mL(-1)) of Pc compound were not toxic to algae cells, as indicated by enduring biomass accumulation during the study (7 days). Higher Pc concentrations, however, were toxic and inhibited biomass accumulation. This inhibition appeared on the fourth day and persisted during the study. At higher Pc concentrations, SOD activity decreased significantly, but APX and GR activity were not affected. These results may show that Pc applications did not cause the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in Arthrospira platensis-M2 cells. Our result suggests that higher Pc concentrations did not cause oxidative stress but biomass accumulation inhibited, possibly due to some different toxicity mechanism(s), which should be carried out in the future studies. As a result, we may offer use of this compound as a means to keep under control algal populations in natural environments.