Uptake of caprolactam and its influence on growth and oxygen production of Desmodesmus quadricauda algae

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) 2016-06, Vol.213, p.518-523
• Main Authors: Kalinova, Jana Pexova, Triska, Jan, Vrchotova, Nadzda, Novak, Jan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algae; Biosorption; Caprolactam - toxicity; Chlorophyta - drug effects; Chlorophyta - growth & development; Chlorophyta - metabolism; Desmodesmus; Growth; Lactam; Oxygen - metabolism; Pollution; Pyrenoid; Water Pollutants, Chemical - toxicity
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.03.024

The consumption of polyamides produced from caprolactam is increasing continuously, and for that reason the danger of environmental contamination by this lactam is also rising. This study's aim was to evaluate the influence of caprolactam on the growth and oxygen production of the green alga Desmodesmus quadricauda and on caprolactam uptake by this alga. The presence of caprolactam in water was observed to cause the algae significantly to increase its oxygen production. Caprolactam concentration of 5,000 mg/L stopped algae growth after 6 days and influenced coenobia structure (seen as disappearance of pyrenoids, deformation of cells) but did not decrease the number of cells in the coenobia. Caprolactam uptake is probably passive but relatively rapid. Maximum concentration in the algae was reached after 18–24 h. •Maximum caprolactam concentration in algae was reached after one day.•Caprolactam concentration of 5 g/L stopped algae growth.•The oxygen production of the algae exposed to caprolactam was increased.•Caprolactam caused disappearance of pyrenoids. Green alga Desmodesmus quadricauda uptakes caprolactam from water very rapidly, the maximum concentration was reached after 24 h.