The Role of the Macroalgae Ulva Lactuca on the Cellular Effects of Neodymium and Mercury in the Mussel Mytilus Galloprovincialis

33 Pages Posted: 13 Sep 2023

See all articles by Marta Cunha

Marta Cunha

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Alessandro Nardi

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Bruno Henriques

Universidade de Aveiro

Amadeu M.V.M. Soares

Universidade de Aveiro - Department of Biology

Eduarda Pereira

Universidade de Aveiro

Francesco Regoli

Polytechnic University of Marche

Rosa Freitas

Universidade de Aveiro - Department of Biology

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly being studied mainly due to their economic importance and a wide range of applications, but also for their rising environmental concentrations and potential environmental and ecotoxicological impacts. Among REEs, neodymium (Nd) is widely used in lasers, glass additives and magnets. Currently, NdFeB-based permanent magnets are the most significant components of electronic devices and Nd is used because of its magnetic properties. In addition to REES, part of the environmental pollution related to electrical and electronic equipment, fluorescent lamps and batteries also comes from mercury (Hg). Since both of these elements persist in ecosystems and are continuously accumulated by marine organisms, a promising approach for water decontamination has emerged. Through a process known as sorption, live marine macroalgae are used, especially Ulva lactuca, to accumulate potential toxic elements from the water. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the cellular toxicity of Nd and Hg in Mytilus galloprovincialis, comparing the biochemical effects induced by these elements with and without the macroalgae U. lactuca.  The results confirmed that Hg was more toxic to mussels than Nd, but also showed the good capability of U. lactuca in preventing the onset of cellular disturbance and homeostasis disruption in M. galloprovincialis by reducing bioavailable Hg levels. Overall, the biochemical parameters evaluated related to metabolism, antioxidant and biotransformation defences, redox balance and cellular damage, showed that algae were able to prevent biological effects in mussels exposed to Hg compared to those exposed to Nd. This study contributes to the advancement of knowledge in this field, namely the understanding of the impacts of different elements on bivalves and the crucial role of algae in the protection of other aquatic organisms.

Keywords: Multiple stressors, Bioremediation, rare earth elements, oxidative stress, macroalgae, Bivalves

Suggested Citation

Cunha, Marta and Nardi, Alessandro and Henriques, Bruno and Soares, Amadeu M.V.M. and Pereira, Eduarda and Regoli, Francesco and Freitas, Rosa, The Role of the Macroalgae Ulva Lactuca on the Cellular Effects of Neodymium and Mercury in the Mussel Mytilus Galloprovincialis. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4570460 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4570460

Marta Cunha

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Alessandro Nardi

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Bruno Henriques

Universidade de Aveiro ( email )

Amadeu M.V.M. Soares

Universidade de Aveiro - Department of Biology ( email )

Eduarda Pereira

Universidade de Aveiro ( email )

Francesco Regoli

Polytechnic University of Marche ( email )

Rosa Freitas (Contact Author)

Universidade de Aveiro - Department of Biology ( email )

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