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- Title
Uptake and Biodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Marine Seaweed.
- Authors
Wang, X.-C.; Zhao, H.-M.
- Abstract
Wang, X.C., and Zhao, H.M., 2007. Uptake and Biodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Marine Seaweed. Journal of Coastal Research, SI 50 (Proceedings of the 9th International Coastal Symposium), 1056 – 1061. Gold Coast, Australia, ISSN 0749.0208 The distribution and fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in coastal waters are of global environmental concern due to their mutagenic and carcinogenic effects within ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the uptake and biodegradation of two PAHs (phenanthrene and pyrene) by a brown seaweed Laminaria joapnica, a common macrophytic plant grown in the near shore waters along the East China coast. In laboratory culture, the seaweed showed great ability to take up and metabolise phenanthrene and pyrene. The uptake and degradation appeared to be rapid processes and concentration-dependent. At a PAH concentration level of 0.1mg/l, Laminaria joapnica tolerated and survived well for up to two weeks and > 90% phenanthrene and pyrene were removed and subsequently degraded. The metabolism of phenanthrene and pyrene in seaweed tissues was carried mainly by the enzyme-oxidation process converting PAHs to less or non-toxic forms of compounds. At high concentration levels (> 0.2 mg/l), however, the toxic nature of PAHs to the seaweed was significant, and resulted in serious damage and destruction to tissue. Our study suggests that in natural PAH contamination levels found in coastal waters, Laminaria joapnica could play an important role in removing PAHs and possibly other organic pollutants from sea water, thus serving as an 'environmentally-friendly' bioremediation system protecting ecological health and marine life.
- Subjects
GOLD Coast (Qld.); POLYCYCLIC aromatic hydrocarbons; PHENANTHRENE; LAMINARIA; MARINE algae; MARINE biology; TERRITORIAL waters; ENVIRONMENTAL health
- Publication
Journal of Coastal Research, 2007, p1056
- ISSN
0749-0208
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.2112/JCR-SI50-191.1