Toxicity of Synthetic Surfactants to the Marine Macroalga, Ulva lactuca

Abstract

The toxicities of three synthetic surfactants to the marine macroalga, Ulva lactuca, have been examined by monitoring chlorophyll a fluorescence quenching. The anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), exerted no measurable toxicity over the concentration range 0-10 mg L −1 , while presence of the non-ionic surfactant, Triton X-100 (TX), elicited a small reduction in photochemical efficiency that was independent of concentration. The cationic surfactant, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMA), incurred a dose-dependent response to ∼3 mg L −1 (EC 50 =2.4 mg L −1 ), but a reduction in toxicity thereafter. Presence of TX had little effect on the toxicity of HDTMA but an equimolar concentration of SDS directly offset the impact of HDTMA on photochemical efficiency. Relative toxicities of the surfactants are attributed to differences in affinity for the algal surface and tendencies to disrupt cell membranes and interact with intracellular macromolecules. Non-linear dose responses and antagonistic effects are attributed to non-specific interactions between molecules of the same surfactant and electrostatic interactions between molecules of different amphiphilic character.

Effects of sodium dodecyl sulfate on wheat (TriticumAestivumL.) seedlings

“…The widespread use and higher level of surfactants (e.g., surfactant enhancement of soil-hydrocarbon bioremediation, or application of agrochemical sprays typically containing >1000 mg L 21 surfactant) have aroused considerable concern of many environmental workers [4][5][6][7][8]. A large number of surfactants, including the anionic types employed in the present study, have relatively low biodegradability and a tendency to sorb to natural particles [9][10][11]. The presence of surfactants at higher level and their biodegradation products in different environmental compartments can have negative effects on the biota.…”

Synthesis and characterization of zeolite based nano–composite: An environment friendly slow release fertilizer

“…For this purpose various structural modifications were performed to increase both cation and anion uptake capacities either by use of surfactants [21,22] or by prolonged thermal treatment [20]. These additional treatments not only add up to the cost of fertilizers but also the use of surfactants put extra burden on the environment [25,26].…”

Surfactant induced complex formation and their effects on the interfacial properties of seawater

“…In this environment, Lewis [13] reviewed on algicidal and algistatic concentrations for the marine flagellate, Dunialella tertiolecta, by DTDMAC to be comprised between 1 and 10 mg L −1 and 0.5 and 1.0 mg L −1 , respectively. Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was showed to induce on green benthic macroalga, Ulva lactuca, the largest response (dosedependent to nearly 3 mg L −1 ) with respect to sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and Triton X-100 (TX) [14].…”