Impact of butylparaben on growth dynamics and microcystin-LR production in Microcystis aeruginosa

• Published in: Environmental research 2024-09, Vol.257, p.119291, Article 119291
• Main Authors: Zhang, Zhong-Hong, Zheng, Jian-Wei, Liu, Si-Fen, Hao, Ting-Bin, Yang, Wei-Dong, Li, Hong-Ye, Wang, Xiang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antioxidants - metabolism; Biomass; Butylparaben; Cell Membrane - drug effects; Cell Membrane - metabolism; Marine Toxins - biosynthesis; Microcystin-LR; Microcystins - biosynthesis; Microcystis - drug effects; Microcystis - growth & development; Microcystis - metabolism; Microcystis aeruginosa; Parabens - pharmacology; Transcriptomics
• ISSN: 0013-9351; 1096-0953; 1096-0953
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119291

The presence of butylparaben (BP), a prevalent pharmaceutical and personal care product, in surface waters has raised concerns regarding its impact on aquatic ecosystems. Despite its frequent detection, the toxicity of BP to the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa remains poorly understood. This study investigates the influence of BP on the growth and physiological responses of M. aeruginosa. Results indicate that low concentrations of BP (below 2.5 mg/L) have negligible effects on M. aeruginosa growth, whereas higher concentrations (5 mg/L and 10 mg/L) lead to significant growth inhibition. This inhibition is attributed to the severe disruption of photosynthesis, evidenced by decreased Fv/Fm values and chlorophyll a content. BP exposure also triggers the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in elevated activity of antioxidant enzymes. Excessive ROS generation stimulates the production of microcystin-LR (MC-LR). Furthermore, lipid peroxidation and cell membrane damage indicate that high BP concentrations cause cell membrane rupture, facilitating the release of MC-LR into the environment. Transcriptome analysis reveals that BP disrupts energy metabolic processes, particularly affecting genes associated with photosynthesis, carbon fixation, electron transport, glycolysis, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. These findings underscore the profound physiological impact of BP on M. aeruginosa and highlight its role in stimulating the production and release of MC-LR, thereby amplifying environmental risks in aquatic systems. [Display omitted] •A high dose of butylparaben modified the cell membrane integrity of M. aeruginosa.•Butylparaben disrupted photosynthesis and induced oxidative stress.•A high dose of butylparaben increased microcystin-LR secretion.•The molecular mechanism of M. aeruginosa to butylparaben was provided.