Neutron activation analysis for studying Cr uptake in the blue-green microalga Spirulina platensis

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Mosulishvili, L.M. | Belokobylsky, A.I. | Kirkesali, E.I. | Frontasyeva, M.V. | Pavlov, S.S. | Aksenova, N.G.

Affiliations: E. Andronikashvili Institute of Physics of the Georgian Academy of Sciences, Tbilisi 380077, Georgia | Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, 141980 Moscow Region, Russia

Note: [] Corresponding author. Tel.: + 7-49621-65609. Fax: + 7-49621-65085. Email: marina@nf.jinr.ru

Abstract: Exposure of Spirulina platensis cells to Cr(III) and Cr(VI) showed that unlike other organisms this blue-green alga demonstrates a protective ability against Cr(VI). In laboratory experiments, the less toxic Cr(III) was absorbed much more readily than the more toxic Cr(VI). Colorimetric and EPR tests indicated that higher oxidation states of Cr are not formed following the accumulation of Cr(III) in Spirulina platensis cells. Control of the protein content and cytological study of the alga cells indicated that Spirulina platensis retains its natural properties after exposure to significant amounts of Cr(III).

Keywords: Blue-green microalga Spirulina platensis, Cr(III), Cr(VI), Neutron activation analysis

DOI: 10.1080/10238160601025138

Journal: Journal of Neutron Research, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 49-54, 2007