The effect of plant extracts on growth and photosynthetic fluorescence characteristics ofMicrocystis flos-aquae

摘要

The cyanobacteriaMicrocystis flos-aquaecan cause harmful algal blooms in waterbodies, which threaten the normal functioning of aquatic ecosystems and human health. Some plant extracts are considered as promising algaecides. In this study, the effects of ten plant extracts (Cinnamomum camphora, Ginkgo biloba, Firmiana platanifolia, Salix babylonica, Euphorbia humifusa, Erigeron annuus, Solidago canadensis, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Thalia dealbataandEichhornia crassipes) againstM. flos-aquaewere investigated. The results showed that all ten plant extracts had a significant inhibitory effect onM. flos-aquaegrowth after 96 h (P< 0.01). The inhibition rates ofS. babylonica, E. humifusa, S. canadensisandA. philoxeroideswere over 70.00%. Furthermore, theE. humifusaextract had the best inhibitory effect on the photosynthesis ofM. flos-aquae,with the effective quantum yield of photosystem II and maximal relative electron transport rate decreasing by 97.50% and 97.00%, respectively, after 96 h. Additionally, theE. humifusaextract was found to be non-toxic to non-target organisms such asBrachydanio rerioandVallisneria spiraliswithin 96 h. This study contributes to the existing knowledge and data of freshwater cyanobacteria blooms, and provides insights for their control and the restoration of freshwater systems affected by cyanobacteria blooms.