Stimulating and toxic effect of chromium on growth and photosynthesis of a marine chlorophyte

Abstract

Summary Marine phytoplankton can interchange trace metals in various biochemical functions, particularly under metal‐limiting conditions. Here, we investigate the stimulating and toxicity effect of chromium (Cr) on a marine Chlorophyceae Osetreococcus tauri under Fe‐replete and Fe‐deficient conditions. We determined the growth, photosynthesis, and proteome expressions of Osetreococcus tauri cultured under different Cr and Fe concentrations. In Fe‐replete conditions, the presence of Cr(VI) stimulated significantly the growth rate and the maximum yield of photochemistry of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) of the phytoplankton, while the functional absorption cross‐section of photosystem II (σPSII) did not change. Minor additions of Cr(VI) partially rescued phytoplankton growth under Fe‐limited conditions. Proteomic analysis of this alga grown in Fe‐replete normal and Fe‐replete with Cr addition media (10 μM Cr) showed that the presence of Cr significantly decreased the expression of phosphate‐transporting proteins and photosynthetic proteins, while increasing the expression of proteins related to carbon assimilation. Cr can stimulate the growth and photosynthesis of O. tauri, but the effects are dependent on both the Cr(VI) concentration and the availability of Fe. The proteomic results further suggest that Cr(VI) addition might significantly increase starch production and carbon fixation.

Solvothermal synthesis of KBi3F10:Eu3+ phosphors as selective three-in-one fluorescent probes for Cr3+, CrO42− and Cr2O72− ion detection

“…7 It can cause damage to human DNA, leading to serious consequences such as chromosomal cancer and gene mutation. 8,9 Inhalation of Cr( vi ) via the respiratory tract can damage the respiratory system, cause pneumonia and bronchitis, and can lead to lung cancer; 10 Cr( vi ) can also damage the skin system by invading the body from the skin system, causing ulcers, contact dermatitis and eczema; 11 Cr( vi ) entering from the digestive system can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, stomach ulcers, and death in severe cases. 12 The main sources of chromium pollution are emissions from leather tanning, pigment and electroplating, mining and metal works, steel and metal alloy production and other processes.…”