Effects of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate on the growth and toxin production of Microcystis aeruginosa isolated from Lake Dianchi

The exogenous organic pollutant linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) pollution and Microcystis bloom are two common phenomena in eutrophic lakes, but the effects of LAS alone on Microcystis remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of LAS on the growth, photochemical efficiency, and microcystin production of Microcystis aeruginosa in the laboratory. Results showed that low LAS (≤10 mg/L) concentrations improved the growth of M. aeruginosa (12 days of exposure). High LAS (20 mg/L) concentrations inhibited the growth of M. aeruginosa on the first 8 days of exposure; afterward, growth progressed. After 12 days of exposure, the concentrations of chlorophyll a in algal cells were not significantly affected by any of LAS concentrations (0.05 to 20 mg/L) in the present study; by contrast, carotenoid and protein concentrations were significantly inhibited when LAS concentrations reached as high as 20 mg/L. After 6 and 12 days of exposure, low LAS (≤10 mg/L) concentrations enhanced the maximal photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and the maximal electron transport rate (ETRmax) of M. aeruginosa. Furthermore, LAS increased the microcystin production of M. aeruginosa. Extracellular and intracellular microcystin contents were significantly increased after M. aeruginosa was exposed to high LAS concentrations. Our results indicated that LAS in eutrophic lakes may increase the risk of Microcystis bloom and microcystin production.