Biochemical response of Cladophora glomerata to different cadmium concentration

This study was designed to explore the effect of exogenously applied cadmium (Cd2+) on the biochemical and morphological structure of Cladophora glomerata obtained from a freshwater creek. Cultivations of this macroalgae were carried out under Cd2+ concentrations (0.0, 7.5, 15, 30, 60 and mg/L). Experiments were carried out duplicates. Pigments, MDA, proline, hydrogen peroxyde, total phenolic compounds, total protein and total carbohydrate contents of the green algae were determined. Besides, the infrared analyses for the Cd2+ applying and untreated of algal biomass were done by FTIR‒ATR. Cd2+ concentrations (ranged 7.5 mg/L to 60.0 mg/L) affected on the biovolume, chlorophyll a, b, total carotene, MDA, proline, hydrogen peroxyde, total phenolic compounds, total protein and total carbohydrate contents values of C. glomerata. High Cd2+ showed inhibitory effect on pigments and total protein productions by the alga. Cadmium concentrations showed stimulate effect on the amount of MDA, proline, total phenolic compounds, and H2O2 by C. glomerata. Significant differences were observed in the infrared spectrum of algal biomass between untreated and treated with Cd2+. These analyses indicated that amino, amide, and anionic functional groups played significant role on the biosorption of Cd2+ on C. glomerata. This study has confirmed tolerance of C. glomerata to Cd2+ concentrations, and applications of Cd2+ affected on the values of pigmentation, MDA, proline, fenol, and protein content of C. glomerata. MDA, proline, H2O2, and total phenolic compounds in the alga with exposure to Cd2+ seemed to be parameters as biomarkers for metal-induced oxidative stress. Keywords: Biochemical response, Cladophora glomerata, Cadmium, Toxicology