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Development of a microalgal PAM test method for Cu(II) in waters: comparison of using spectrofluorometry

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Abstract

Test methods are needed to monitor Cu concentrations in reservoirs and water supplies. Dictyosphaerium chlorelloides (Chlorophyta) cells were immobilized in a silicate sol–gel and the toxic effects of Cu(II) were examined using different techniques: fluorescence measurements (using a spectrofluorometer with an optic fiber coupled to a flow cell or a 96-well-plate reader) or by Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) parameters using a portable instrument and the pulse saturation method. Fm′ and qN were the most sensitive indicator parameters when performing Cu analysis in water. D. chlorelloides PAM biosensor presented a detection limit of 0.6 mg l−1 for Cu(II), within the limits to establish if Cu concentrations exceeded regulatory levels. Moreover, a 1.9 mg Cu l−1 (30 μM) resistant strain of the D. chlorelloides microalgae was produced in order to obtain more selectivity on the metal determination.

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Abbreviations

DC:

Dictyosphaerium chlorelloides

EC50 :

Effective concentration causing a 50% of variation in the signal (mg l−1)

F:

Fluorescence yield measured briefly before application of the last saturation pulse; normally measured in the presence of actinic light

Fm:

Maximal fluorescence yield of a dark-adapted sample, with all PSII reaction centers fully closed

Fm′:

Maximal fluorescence yield reached during last saturation pulse with an illuminated sample

Fo:

Minimal fluorescence yield of a dark-adapted sample, with all PSII reaction centers fully open

Fo′:

Minimal fluorescence yield of a preilluminated membrane containing the algae; determined briefly after turning off the actinic light and after several seconds of far-red illumination to assure full oxidation of PSII acceptors

Fv:

Fv = Fm − Fo

LOD:

Limit of detection (mg l−1)

PAM:

Pulse Amplitude Modulation

PAR:

Photosynthetically active radiation

PSII:

Photosystem II

qP:

Coefficient of photochemical quenching defined by: qP = (Fm′ − F)/(Fm′ − Fo′). It may vary between 0 and 1

qN:

Coefficient of nonphotochemical quenching defined by: qN = (Fm − Fm′)/(Fm − Fo′). It may vary between 0 and 1

Y:

(=Φ′) Effective quantum yield of photochemical energy conversion at PSII reaction centers calculated according with: Y = (Fm′ − F)/Fm′

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Acknowledgements

This study received financial support from the Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid (Project S0505/AMB374), the ESF, the ERDF. Elena Peña Vázquez acknowledges the Isidro Parga Pondal Program (Xunta de Galicia) for her research grant in the Complutense University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Bromatology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain

    E. Peña-Vázquez

  2. Chemical Optosensors, Laboratory of Applied Photochemistry Group, Department of Organic and Analytical Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040, Madrid, Spain

    C. Pérez-Conde & M. C. Moreno-Bondi

  3. Veterinary Microbiological Control Group, Department of Animal Production (Genetics), Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040, Madrid, Spain

    E. Costas

Authors
  1. E. Peña-Vázquez
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  2. C. Pérez-Conde
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  3. E. Costas
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  4. M. C. Moreno-Bondi
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Correspondence to E. Costas.

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Peña-Vázquez, E., Pérez-Conde, C., Costas, E. et al. Development of a microalgal PAM test method for Cu(II) in waters: comparison of using spectrofluorometry. Ecotoxicology 19, 1059–1065 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-010-0487-y

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