Assessing the impact of arsenite and arsenate on Sarcodia suae: a tale of two toxicities
Journal
Ecotoxicology
Journal Volume
33
Journal Issue
8
Start Page
937
End Page
947
ISSN
0963-9292
1573-3017
Date Issued
2024-07-19
Author(s)
Abstract
Inorganic arsenic (iAs), which predominantly occurs as arsenite (As3+) and arsenate (As5+) in natural water, is primarily accumulated by seaweed in marine environments. However, the detailed mechanisms through which As3+ and As5+ affect the physiological processes of these organisms remain largely unknown. This study focused on evaluating the toxicological effects of As3+ and As5+ on the seaweed Sarcodia suae. Exposure to As3+ and As5+ resulted in IC50 values of 401.5 ± 9.4 μg L−1 and 975.8 ± 13 μg L−1, respectively. Morphological alterations and a reduction in phycoerythrin content were observed, particularly under As3+ exposure, with increased lipid peroxidation as evidenced by higher malondialdehyde levels. Exposure to As3+ also elevated the production of superoxide radicals, while decreasing hydrogen peroxide levels specifically in the presence of As3+. The induction of antioxidative enzyme activities, namely superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and ascorbate peroxidase was observed, signaling an adaptive response to iAs-induced oxidative stress. Moreover, levels of the antioxidants ascorbate and glutathione were elevated post-exposure, especially in response to As3+. Additionally, bioaccumulation of arsenic was significantly higher in the As3+ compared to As5+. Collectively, the data suggest that As3+ imposes greater adverse effects and oxidative stress to S. suae, which responds by adjusting its antioxidative defense mechanisms to mitigate oxidative stress.
Subjects
Accumulation
Inorganic arsenic
Oxidative stress
Sarcodia suae
Toxicity
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Type
journal article