Abstract
Sulfonamides (SAs) has been frequently found in environment with numerous adverse effects on ecological system and human. In this study, we investigated the toxicity of sulfacetamide (SFM) on a benthic microalgal species, as well as its metabolic mechanisms. Results of flow cytometry demonstrated significant inhibition on growth and cell viability of Desmodesmus quadricauda under 0.1–3 mg L−1 SFM. Half-maximum effective concentrations (EC50) of SFM were calculated to be 1.224, 1.324, 0.845, 1.178 and 1.754 mg L−1 at day 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10. Biochemical characteristics including total chlorophyll, carotenoid, malonaldehyde, and activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and peroxidase) were significantly influenced by SFM. Principal component analysis showed a close correlation among the cellular contents. Moreover, identified intermediates showed that D. quadricauda can biodegrade SFM through hydroxylation, decarboxylation, bond cleavage and deamination. Acute and chronic toxicity test of the metabolic byproducts indicated the formed intermediates were with less toxicity than their parent compound. This study has extended the understanding of the microalgal tolerance and metabolic mechanisms toward SA antibiotic.
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