Abstract
Three strains of filamentous Cyanobacteria were used to study their growth and utilization of organophosphorus pesticide malathion. A sharp decrease in the growth of the algal strains was observed by increasing the concentration of malathion. Amongst them Nostoc muscorum tolerated different concentrations and was recorded as the highest efficient strain for biodegradation (91%) of this compound. Moreover, carbohydrate and protein content of their cells overtopped the other strains especially at higher concentrations. The algal strains were further subjected to grow under P-limitation in absence and presence of malathion. Although, the algal growth under P-limitation recorded a very poor level, a massive enhanced growth and phosphorous content of cells were obtained when the P-limited medium was amended with malathion. This study clarified that N. muscorum with its capability to utilize malathion as a sole phosphorous source is considered as an inexpensive and efficient biotechnology for remediation of organophosphorus pesticide from contaminated wastewater.
Highlights
As a result of human impact, the levels of organic compounds found in surface water have increased in the recent decades
Different malathion concentrations dramatically reduced the growth of S. platensis recording a reduction of the total cell count by 19% compared with the control treatment
This inverse correlation between malathion concentration and the algal growth agrees with Ibrahim and Essa [15] and Ghadai et al [23] who studied the effect of different concentrations (1–400 ppm) of organophosphorus pesticides on the growth of seven cyanobacterial strains
Summary
As a result of human impact, the levels of organic compounds found in surface water have increased in the recent decades. Of these organic compounds, pesticides are most commonly detected in all aquatic environments [1]. Pesticides are most commonly detected in all aquatic environments [1] These pesticides are mainly used for agricultural purposes [2]. They enter the aquatic environment via runoff after being sprayed in agricultural fields and can potentially reach groundwater [3]. Recent research shows that malathion has a variety of syndromes and effects including hepatotoxicity [5,6,7], human breast carcinoma [8], genetic damage [9], and disrupted normal hormone activity [10]
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