Abstract
In the present study, the impact on membrane integrity of the aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and three xylene isomers (para, meta, and ortho), collectively referred to as BTEX, was investigated using the green alga, Selenastrum capricornutum. BTEX are water-soluble components of crude oil and gasoline which are known to be toxic to aquatic life. Their impact on membrane integrity was determined by monitoring the release of {sup 14}C-labeled photosynthates from algal cells exposed to benzene and o-xylene. An alternative method utilized a fluorescent dye, uranin (fluorescein sodium salt), which is commonly used as a vital stain. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness and sensitivity of uranin staining as an indicator of the impact of organic pollutants on membrane integrity. The sensitivity of the uranin staining technique was compared to the concentration of BTEX required to inhibit algal growth.
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