Effect of Nano-Al(2)O(3) on the Toxicity and Oxidative Stress of Copper towards Scenedesmus obliquus

Nano-Al(2)O(3) has been widely used in various industries; unfortunately, it can be released into the aquatic environment. Although nano-Al(2)O(3) is believed to be of low toxicity, it can interact with other pollutants in water, such as heavy metals. However, the interactions between nano-Al(2)O(3) and heavy metals as well as the effect of nano-Al(2)O(3) on the toxicity of the metals have been rarely investigated. The current study investigated copper toxicity in the presence of nano-Al(2)O(3) towards Scenedesmus obliquus. Superoxide dismutase activity and concentration of glutathione and malondialdehyde in cells were determined in order to quantify oxidative stress in this study. Results showed that the presence of nano-Al(2)O(3) reduced the toxicity of Cu towards S. obliquus. The existence of nano-Al(2)O(3) decreased the growth inhibition of S. obliquus. The accumulation of copper and the level of oxidative stress in algae were reduced in the presence of nano-Al(2)O(3). Furthermore, lower copper accumulation was the main factor that mitigated copper toxicity with the addition of nano-Al(2)O(3). The decreased copper uptake could be attributed to the adsorption of copper onto nanoparticles and the subsequent decrease of available copper in water.