Determining the toxicity of the biomass of Cladophora sp.

Abstract

Finding new or alternative feeds, feed additives, and raw materials safe for health and the environment is significant in intensifying livestock production. At the same time, the fodder base obtained from aquatic ecosystems – algae – deserves special attention. The advantage of using algae as fodder is using small areas for their cultivation and a high reproduction rate. In addition, algae are grown where other plants cannot grow, and the productivity of algae is several times higher than that of higher plants. Algae can produce beneficial compounds and biomass, which are also used to increase the nutritional value of food products. Biomass obtained from algae is a source of necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and other necessary nutrients. The composition of algae depends on the environment from which this biomass is collected, the conditions of algae cultivation, the season, the species of algae, and many other factors. In addition, it should be noted that some algae, out of the total amount, are toxic when consumed. That is why it is essential to research their toxicity. The article presents the results of studying the toxicity of the biomass of Cladophora sp. on the body of guppy fish. When studying the effect of biomass Cladophora sp. on the body of guppy fish, it was established that its use for 96 hours in doses of 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/l did not cause their death, and its LC50 is higher than 100 mg/l. In addition, no changes were detected in the behavior of the fish; they were active, mobile, and actively responding to external stimuli. The fish of the experimental groups were not distinguished from those of the control group.