Effect of copper and temperature on the photosynthetic physiological characteristics of Ulva linza under elevated CO2 concentrations

Abstract

Copper (Cu) is vital for macroalgae's functions, but high concentrations can be toxic. Rising CO2 levels affect algal growth and Cu bioavailability. In this study, the results reveal that at 5 °C, low Cu increased Ulva linza growth, while high Cu and elevated CO2 decreased growth. At 10 °C, low Cu and elevated CO2 enhanced growth, but high Cu did not have a significant impact. At 15 °C, high Cu reduced growth, but elevated CO2 offset this effect. Furthermore, under elevated CO2 conditions, the chloroplast structure of the algae appeared to be denser, accompanied by a large amount of starch granules, compared to low CO2 conditions. These results emphasize that lower temperatures, in conjunction with elevated CO2 concentration, could intensify the toxic effects of high Cu concentrations on thalli. However, at higher temperatures, elevated CO2 concentration appeared to be capable of mitigating the detrimental effects of heavy metals on algae.