THE COMPARATIVE TOXICITY OF NANO AND MICRO BORON PARTICLES TO FRESHWATER MICROALGA (DESMODESMUS MULTIVARIABILIS): THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTICLES SIZE

Abstract

Nanoparticles gain new characteristics, which are related to their nano-scale structure. Thanks to these features, they have found wide applications in the industry and as well as in the daily life. However, with the increase in the release of nanoparticles into the environment, the world of science has attracted attention. In this study, an effect on photosynthetic pigment content and oxidative stress of boron particles on Desmodesmus multivariabilis was investigated. Acute exposure tests were conducted in the BG-11 medium for 24, 48, and 72 hours on algal cells with the 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 mg/L concentrations. Results revealed that oxidative stress and photosynthetic pigments content in the algal cells changed with time-varying exposure. Nano and micro boron particles were roughly indicated the same toxic effects on the pigments. Reactive oxygen species activity exhibited nonlinear changes between their treatment groups in the both boron particles. Consequently, after time-varying exposure of B particles at various concentrations, Desmodesmus multivariabilis displayed different toxicity.