Abstract:

In this study, the bioaccumulation and biotransformation of Cr (III) in Spirulina platensis were analyzed by ICPMS- HPLC, and the effects of Cr (III) on the growth of Spirulina platensi were also investigated. The results showed that Spirulina platensis may effectively accumulate and transform Cr (III), and the total Cr enrichment amount and organic degree of Cr reach 173.17 mg/g and 96.99%, respectively. The ICP-MS-HPLC analysis also indicated that no toxic Cr (VI) is generated during the culture process. Moreover, the determination results of dry weight and morphology revealed that the low concentration (less than 234.38 ×10-6 g/g) of Cr (III) may promote the growth of Spirulina platensis, but the high concentration (more than 234.38 × 10-6 g/g) of Cr (III) not only inhibits the growth of Spirulina platensis but also results in its abnormal modality. In conclusion, Spirulina platensis can effectively accumulate Cr (III) in a certain range and be taken as nutritional and safe food for the supplement of Cr (III). Furthermore, it may be used to eliminate the environmental pollution of Cr (III) due to its abilities of anti-high-pressure and absorption capacity to high concentration of Cr (III).

Key words: Spirulina platensis, Cr (III), ICP-MS-HPLC, bioaccumulation, biotransformation