Effects of mesotrione on oxidative stress, subcellular structure, and membrane integrity in Chlorella vulgaris

Abstract

Mesotrione is a selective herbicide used to prevent weed attack of corn. It is extensively used, and hence, is being increasingly detected in aquatic ecosystems and may exert adverse effects on aquatic organisms. To evaluate the effects of mesotrione on photosynthesis-related gene expression, antioxidant enzyme activities, subcellular structure, and membrane integrity in algal cells, a comprehensive study was conducted using the green alga, Chlorella vulgaris. Exposure to 4–50 mg/L mesotrione resulted in a progressive inhibition of cell growth, with a 96-h median inhibition concentration (96 h- ErC50) value of 18.8 mg/L. Further, 18 and 37.5 mg/L mesotrione affected the algal photosynthetic capacity by decreasing the cell pigment content and reducing transcript abundance of photosynthesis-related genes. Mesotrione induced oxidative stress, as confirmed by increased cellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and altered antioxidant enzyme activities. It also damaged the algal cellular structure, observed as plasmolysis, blurred organelle shape, and disruption of the chloroplast structure. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that mesotrione exposure led to uneven cell growth and interior irregularities in the algal cell. The apparent propidium iodide (PI) influx also confirmed that the herbicide induced damage of the cell membrane integrity. This study will facilitate the understanding of the physiological and morphological changes induced by mesotrione in C. vulgaris cells, and provide basic information for understanding the biological mechanisms of mesotrione-induced algal toxicity.