Low-dose electron beam treatment of red tide blooms microalgae

Abstract

Exposure to an electron beam at ≤1 kGy dose leads to inactivation of more than 4/5 of the population of Cochlodinium polykrikoides and Alexandrium catenella toxic microalgae via damage to cell walls, degradation of chloroplasts, and cell aggregation. In parallel, the neutralization of paralytic toxins occurs. Due to the low doses, efficiency, and simplicity of irradiation, electron beam treatment can be a promising method of controlling red tides in seawater.