Abstract:

Algal populations hold great potential for encountering water pollution problem due to their remediation abilities. Thus, using them for removing the pollutants stands as a powerful approach. However, it is crucial to investigate the negative effects of these pollutants on algal populations as well as understanding the removal capacity of these populations in order to benefit their abilities. In the present study, Chlorella vulgaris was used as a candidate for metal removal. Besides the remediation capacity for certain essential (Cu2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Mo6+) and non-essential (Cd2+, Pb2+, Sn4+, Ba2+, As5+) metals, chlorophyll and carbohydrate contents, and photosynthetic gene (psaB, Photosystem I reaction center protein subunit B) expression levels were also evaluated.  Results indicated that remediation efficiency of C. vulgaris for essential metals was Cu>Co>Zn>Mo>Mn and for non-essential metals was Sn>Pb>Ba>Cd>As, respectively. It was also observed that psaB expression was increased after the essential and non-essential metal treatment. It can be concluded that C. vulgaris can be used as a bioindicator for Mnand Aswhile it is also suitable to be used for metal removal. 

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