Effects of Varying Copper Concentrations on
Photosynthesis of Gracilaria salicornia
and Padina sanctae-crusis
Jesrelljane J. Aaron* and Danila T. Dy
Marine Biology Section, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
*Bohol Island State University, Philippines
corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Two tropical macroalgae, Gracilaria salicornia and Padina sanctae-crusis, were exposed to varying concentrations of total Cu and subsequently subjected to photosynthesis-irradiance (P-I) response experiments. The study aimed to determine the effects of total Cu toxicity on the P-I model parameters and growth rate of the macroalgae. The photosynthetic efficiency (α) showed a decreasing pattern with increasing total Cu concentration. Light saturation (Ik) for both algae increased at lower concentration and showed transient shift at 12.5 µg total Cu L-1. The maximum photosynthesis (Pmax) of P. sanctae-crusis was higher in specimens exposed to 12.5-25 µg total Cu L-1 compared to the controls. Unlike P. sanctae-crusis, G. salicornia exposed total Cu-free medium as well as those at 12.5-25 µg total Cu L-1 were comparable. But, both algae showed decreasing Pmax values from 50-500 µg total Cu L-1. Respiration (R) showed non-linear pattern due to some delay of the effect of copper on the respiratory system. Growth data proved to be more sensitive to total Cu with the reductions of mean daily growth rate starting at 12.5 µg total Cu L-1 for G. salicornia and negative growth rate at 500 µg total Cu L-1 for P. sanctae-crusis. After 7 days of exposure the EC20 for G. salicornia and P. sanctae-crusis were 100 and 50 µg total Cu L-1, respectively. The results suggested severe impact of total Cu+ at high concentrations on P-I parameters and growth rate of G. salicornia and P. sanctae-crusis.
INTRODUCTION
Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for all photosynthetic organisms (i.e. cyanobacteria, algae, and plants) and plays an important role in numerous metabolic and physiological processes (Bernal et al., 2006). However, at elevated concentrations, Cu can inhibit a large number of enzymes and interferes with several aspects of plant biochemistry, including photosynthesis, pigment synthesis, and membrane integrity (Fernandes and Henriques, 1991). . . . . read more
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