Laboratory studies of the algaecide GreenTD: stability, algaecidal activity and reduction of microcystin production

Abstract

GreenTD (Dichlorobenzyl derivative, MW 362.17) is a new dichlorobenzyl derivative algaecide. It is effective and selective against harmful algal blooms (HABs). HABs cause serious problems for public health and fishery industries. Algae that cause HABs include Microcystis spp., Anabaena spp., and Aphanizomenon spp. Blooms of toxin-producing Microcystis aeruginosa occur regularly in fresh water where is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients. Environmental fate studies are needed to investigate the degradation of GreenTD. In the present study, we studied the persistence of GreenTD (90% aqueous solution) in water and toxic effects GreenTD on M. aeruginosa and reduction of microcystin production in the culture media. GreenTD was added in the water pots and microcystis media tubes at levels of 25 g/0.1 ha (0.5 mg/kg) and 50 g/0.1 ha (1.0 mg/kg). Samples were collected after 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days. The residues of GreenTD and microcystins in water and the media were determined using high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. The half-life of GreenTD at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg was 4.5 and 3.6 days, respectively. This result presents a safety level suitable for the acceptable guideline of water residue. The average recoveries of microcystins RR, YR, LR, and LA were 106–115%, 103–110%, 96–105% and 89–113% in the microcystis media, respectively. The limit of detection of (LOD) the microcystins was 0.1 µg/kg. No microcystins in the media were detected at the LOD (0.1 µg/kg). GreenTD at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.5 µg/kg had a 100% of control efficacy of M. aeruginosa. No growth of the blue-green algae was observed after 14 days of GreenTD application.