Antialgal Effects of Nonanoic and Palmitic Acids on Microcystis aeruginosa and the Underlying Mechanisms

Ning Hu, Yaowen Tan, Xian Xiao (), Yuexiang Gao (), Kaikai Zheng, Wenhan Qian, Yimin Zhang and Yuan Zhao
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Ning Hu: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
Yaowen Tan: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
Xian Xiao: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
Yuexiang Gao: Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Nanjing 210042, China
Kaikai Zheng: Three Gorges Hydrology and Water Resources Survey Bureau, Hydrology Bureau of Changjiang Water Resources Commission, Yichang 443000, China
Wenhan Qian: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
Yimin Zhang: Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Nanjing 210042, China
Yuan Zhao: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-14

Abstract: Algal blooms caused by Microcystis aeruginosa are a common occurrence and pose significant threats to freshwater ecosystems. This study investigates the antialgal effects and underlying mechanisms of two plant-derived fatty acids, nonanoic acid and palmitic acid, on Microcystis aeruginosa . The results show that the inhibitory effects of both fatty acids on M. aeruginosa increase with higher concentrations. Algal recovery occurs when nonanoic acid concentrations are below 0.5 mg/L and palmitic acid concentrations are below 50 mg/L. Acute toxicity tests indicate that the safe concentrations of nonanoic acid and palmitic acid are below 1.87 mg/L and 263.3 mg/L, respectively. The inhibitory effect of nonanoic acid is more pronounced under conditions of pH 5.5, 15 °C temperature, 0.75 mg/L nitrogen, and 2 mg/L phosphorus, with inhibition efficiency remaining unaffected by increased light intensity. Both fatty acids exert their strongest inhibitory effects in the early stages of addition (0–8 days), causing cell death and the release of extracellular organic matter primarily consisting of aromatic compounds and proteins. Oxidative stress analysis reveals that high concentrations of fatty acids can cause irreversible damage to the algae’s antioxidant defense system. These findings provide valuable insights for the prevention and control of cyanobacterial blooms, which can help promote the sustainable development of freshwater ecosystems.

Keywords: cyanobacterial blooms; Microcystic aeruginosa; nonanoic acid; oxidative stress; palmitic acid; sustainability; three-dimensional fluorescence spectra (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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