Effect of pentachlorophenol on the green alga selenastrum capricornutum

ABSTRACT

The effect of pentachlorophenol [PCP] on the unicellular alga Selenastrum capricornutum was studied. The selected parameters were chlorophyll a [Chl a] content, growth rate, EC50 value, carbohydrate and protein contents of algal cells as well as the uptake of PCP by algae. The results indicated a significant decrease in Chl a of algae exposed to PCP. Net change in the growth rates reflected the significant decrease in such values due to the exposure of algae to PCP. Meanwhile, carbohydrate and protein contents of the treated algal cultures decreased compared with the control. The uptake of PCP by algae may present environmental hazards and could affect human health through the accumulation in the food chain