Modulatory effect of the exudates released by the brown kelp Lessonia spicata on the toxicity of copper in early developmental stages of ecologically related organisms

Abstract

Lessonia spicata is a key dominant species along the Pacific coast of South America, providing a habitat for many organisms. However, this role can be affected by abiotic stress, such as metals. To counteract the toxic effect, L. spicata, among other seaweeds, releases exudates that bind metals. In this study, tolerances to copper of organisms related to the kelp forest (spores of Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyceae) and L. spicata (Phaeophyceae) and Zoea I of Taliepus dentatus (Milne-Edwards, Crustacea)) were studied; then, exudates are assessed by their protective effect. Exudates increase the 48-h 50% effective concentration (EC50) of the germination of spores from 8 to 23 μg Cu L−1 for U. lactuca and from 119 to 213 μg Cu L−1 for L. spicata and the survival of the larvae Zoea I 48-h 50% of lethal concentration (LC50) from 144 to 249 μg Cu L−1. Results indicated that exudates had a protective effect. Each species is specifically sensitive to copper. Crab larvae Zoea I were able to support higher doses, and exposure before hatching increased their tolerance.

Mechanisms of Tolerance in Metal-exposed Brown Algae and the Importance of Monitoring Studies: A Review

“…Furthermore, they found weak ligands (log K = 8.6) compared with the previous studies mentioned. This was supported by Fellous et al (2017), who demonstrated that exudates of another species of kelp, Lessonia spicata, were able to protect not only the algae itself but also crustacean larva to which the algae provides habitat. Murray et al (2014) tested the impact of exudate ligands in three brown macroalgae under experimental exposure to Cu and Zn and in terms of metal bioavailability.…”