Combatting cyanobacteria: unraveling the potency of 316L-Cu stainless steel in inhibiting Microcystis aeruginosa growth

• Published in: Environmental science and pollution research international 2024-01, Vol.31 (1), p.1644-1653
• Main Authors: Hong, Heting, Zhang, Xuezhi, Zhao, Jinlong, Yang, Yange, Yang, Chunguang, Yang, Ke, Deng, Aijuan, Wang, Fuhui
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algae; Algal blooms; Algal growth; Aquatic ecosystems; Aquatic Pollution; Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution; Austenitic stainless steels; Cell membranes; Chlorophyll; Chromium; Copper; Corrosion resistance; Cyanobacteria; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecosystem conservation; Ecotoxicology; Environment; Environmental Chemistry; Environmental Health; Eutrophication; Health risks; Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; Iron; Mass spectrometry; Mass spectroscopy; Metal ions; Microcystis; Microcystis aeruginosa; Optical density; Oxidative stress; Photosynthesis; Public health; Short Research and Discussion Article; Stainless steel; Waste Water Technology; Water Management; Water Pollution Control
• ISSN: 1614-7499; 0944-1344; 1614-7499
• DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31249-2

Harmful algal blooms, particularly those of Microcystis aeruginosa , present significant ecological and health risks. To address this issue, this study utilized a custom static algal growth assessment apparatus to investigate the anti-algal performance of a copper-alloyed 316L stainless steel (SS), named 316L-Cu SS. This material was compared with traditional 316L SS, which is widely utilized in freshwater systems for its corrosion resistance. Algal growth dynamics were monitored through optical density (OD) and chlorophyll A concentration measurements. Notably, 316L-Cu SS exhibited superior inhibitory effects on Microcystis aeruginosa growth compared to 316L SS and control groups. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) confirmed that the copper ion release from 316L-Cu SS played a critical role in this algal suppression, which interfered with photosynthesis, induced oxidative stress, and damaged algal cell membranes. In contrast, other metal ions (Ni, Cr, Fe) had a negligible impact on algal growth. The study highlights 316L-Cu SS as a promising material for mitigating harmful algal blooms, thereby offering potential benefits for both aquatic ecosystem conservation and public health protection.