Biochemical changes of fresh water cyanobacteria Dolichospermum flos-aquae NTMS07 to chromium-induced stress with special reference to antioxidant enzymes and cellular fatty acids.

This investigation examined the efficiency of Dolichospermum flos-aquae NTMS07 in the removal of Cr(VI) from exposure water at various concentrations (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 mg/L) over different time intervals of contact (1-5 days). Chromium removal was maximum at 2.5 mg/L, and decreased with increased concentration. The responses of the antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measured, and the composition of fatty acids was evaluated at a concentration of 5 mg Cr/L. Significant increases in the activity levels of SOD and CAT were obtained. The level of total unsaturated fatty acids decreased with exposure to Cr. It is proposed that the observed decrease in total unsaturated fatty acid level is a defense mechanism against Cr-induced oxidative stress and cell membrane damage.