Microalgal photosynthetic activity measurement system for rapid toxicity assessment.

A systematic biosensor is constructed for the estimation of toxic compounds based on photosynthetic activity measurement in Selenastrum capricornutum cells. The photosynthetic response was evaluated as a function of light intensity, cell concentration and initial dissolved oxygen. The inhibitory effect of some toxicants (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, methanol) on dissolved oxygen production was also determined.

The ecotoxicity of ionic liquids and traditional organic solvents on microalga Selenastrum capricornutum.

In this study, the effects of several ionic liquids and traditional organic solvents on the growth of the green microalga, Selenastrum capricornutum, were investigated. The toxicities were strongly related to the incubation time and chemical structures of the ionic liquids. The toxicities of tetrabutylphosphonium and tetrabutylammonium containing bromide anion were observed to decrease when the incubation time was raised from 48 to 96 h.

Toxicity of imidazolium salt with anion bromide to a phytoplankton Selenastrum capricornutum: effect of alkyl-chain length.

Room-temperature ionic liquids are regarded as environmentally benign alternatives to volatile organic solvents. However, the product designs for this promising group of compounds should take account, not only the technological needs, but also the eco-toxicological hazards. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of some important ionic liquids on the growth of the freshwater alga, Selenastrum capricornutum.