Allelopathic potential of Microcystin-RR at environmentally relevant concentrations: Species-specific growth responses of phytoplankton

Chemia Naissensis Volume 8, No.1 (2025) (стр. 36-51) 

АУТОР(И) / AUTHOR(S): Nikola Stanković , Ivana Kostić Kokić , Tatjana Anđelković , Monika Dudić  and Tamara Petronijević  

 

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46793/ChemN8.1.36S

САЖЕТАК / ABSTRACT:

Microcystin-RR (MC-RR), a common cyanotoxin frequently detected in freshwater ecosystems, can influence phytoplankton dynamics by altering the growth patterns of coexisting species. While a large body of work has examined the allelopathic effects of microcystin-RR (MC-LR) and other microcystin variants, there are relatively few studies that specifically address the impact of pure MC-RR on phytoplankton species, particularly those that themselves produce this toxin, under environmentally relevant concentrations. This study investigated the effects of an environmentally relevant concentrations of MC-RR (1, 5, and 10 µg L⁻¹) on the growth of five phytoplankton species: three cyanobacteria (Trichormus variabilis, Nostoc sp., Microcystis sp.) and two green microalgae (Chlorella sp., Scenedesmus sp.), under laboratory conditions. Growth responses were monitored spectrophotometrically to determine chlorophyll a concentration over a 14-day period. Additionally, MC-RR was identified and quantified in the treated cyanobacterial cultures using the HPLC-DAD technique. The results demonstrated species-specific responses. MC-RR exhibited a stimulatory effect on both green algae species. In contrast, T. variabilis showed progressive growth inhibition, which became statistically significant after day 5. Nostoc sp. displayed slight, non- significant inhibition, while Microcystis sp. showed tolerance to MC-RR exposure. These findings demonstrate the allelopathic potential of MC-RR, with species-specific effects on growth that reflect differential sensitivity among phytoplankton taxa. The results underscore the ecological relevance of this toxin in shaping phytoplankton community structure and species interactions in freshwater ecosystems.

КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ / KEYWORDS:

cyanotoxin, microcystin-RR, allelophathy, phytoplankton, microbial community

ПРОЈЕКАТ/ ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

This study was performed within the research program – Contract No. 451-03-136/2025- 03/200124.

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