Interactions between carbon black nanoparticles and the brown algae Fucus serratus: Inhibition of fertilization and zygotic development

Abstract

The effects of manufactured carbon black (CB) nanoparticles on reproduction and early development of the marine brown algae Fucus serratus were studied. Results obtained indicated that effects of CB on sperm concentration and fertilization, body axis alignment, germination and rhizoid elongation were primarily physical. CB nanoparticles added to sperm suspension and embryo cultures, formed large agglomerates that removed sperm from suspension and reduced fertilization success at 100mgl⁻¹. Correct alignment of the polar axis was reduced at 50mgl⁻¹. From EM imaging there was no clear evidence of CB nanoparticle uptake in the zygotes. Instead zygotes were covered by agglomerates of CB nanoparticles that may have shaded for incident light that is crucial for alignment of the polar body axis. Germination and rhizoid elongation, both independent of light, were unaffected by CB nanoparticles.

• Brown algae
• nanoparticles
• plant
• macroalgae
• embryo
• carbon black
• fertilization

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Dr R. Duffin, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh University, for his help with the size characterization of the particles, and to staff at Napier University for help with field and laboratory work. HDN is supported by a research grant (272-06-0206) from the Danish Natural Science Council and by Napier University.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.