Effects of ZnWO4 nanoparticles on growth, photosynthesis, and biochemical parameters of the green microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata

Nanoparticles have applications in many sectors in the society. ZnWO4 nanoparticles (ZnWO4-NPs) have potential in the fabrication of sensors, lasers, and batteries, and in environmental remediation. Thus, these NPs may reach aquatic ecosystems. However, we still do not know their effects on aquatic biota and, to our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the toxicity of ZnWO4-NPs in a eukaryotic organism. We evaluated the toxicity of ZnWO4-NPs on the green microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata for 96 h, in terms of growth, cell parameters, photosynthesis, and biochemical analysis. Results show that most of Zn was presented in its particulate form, with low amounts of Zn2+, resulting in toxicity at higher levels. The growth was affected from 8.4 mg L−1, with 96h–IC–50 of 23.34 mg L−1. The chlorophyll a (Chl a) content increased at 30.2 mg L−1, while the fluorescence of Chl a (FL3-H) decreased at 15.2 mg L−1. We observed increased ROS levels at 44.4 mg L−1. Regarding photosynthesis, the NPs affected the oxygen evolving complex (OEC) and the efficiency of the photosystem II at 22.9  mg L−1. At 44.4 mg L−1 the qP decreased, indicating closure of reaction centers, probably affecting carbon assimilation, which explains the decay of carbohydrates. There was a decrease of qN (non-regulated energy dissipation, not used in photosynthesis), NPQ (regulated energy dissipation) and Y(NPQ) (regulated energy dissipation via heat), indicating damage to the photoprotection system; and an increase in Y(NO), which is the non-regulated energy dissipation via heat and fluorescence. Therefore, to protect aquatic ecosystems, it is extremely important to study the toxicity of emerging contaminants on microalgae, as they are at the base of aquatic food chains, and impacts on these primary producers can affect entire ecosystems. Our study shows that ZnWO4-NPs affect the growth and physiological and biochemical parameters of the chlorophycean R. subcapitata.