Scientists of Derzhavin University have established that microalgae of the species Desmodesmussp are suitable for treating wastewater from titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, to which other types of phytoplankton may be unstable. TiO2 nanoparticles are used in industrial and commercial applications in textiles, cosmetics, electronics, plastics, batteries, paints and food additives. Global production of these nanoparticles is projected to reach 2.5 million tons by 2025. The substance inevitably ends up in the environment, which can have a particularly negative impact on aquatic ecosystems. One of the promising methods for treating wastewater from toxic effects is the cultivation of microalgae.
Scientists have proven the ability of single-celled green algae Desmodesmussp strain 3Dp86E-1 resist the effects of environmentally significant concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles and accumulate them in cells without harm. The microalgae strain was isolated from fragments of an invertebrate animal, the hydroid D. Pumila. The experiment is described in the scientific journal “Nanobiotechnology Reports”.
The obtained results indicate the significant potential of the culture of unicellular green algae Desmodesmussp, which can be used for the purification and restoration of wastewater, soil and atmosphere contaminated with metal nanoparticles.
The research was supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (project No. 21-74-20004).
