Arsenic contamination and its toxicity in algae

Abstract: Arsenic, a metalloid, is considered nonessential for human beings. However, excess amount of As is extremely toxic, leading to many pathological conditions that are consistent with oxidative damage, carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Arsenic compounds widely enter in environment through food chain and water supply and excess of them producing worldwide pollution threat. Due to this, millions of people around the world are suffering from arsenic toxicity which leads to major health problems including liver damage, cancer, diabetes, skin lesions and hyperkeratosis. In water bodies the high amount of arsenic compounds enter in the algal cells. After accumulation arsenic interferes with algal metabolic processes which lead to impairment of photosynthesis, respiration, depletion in protein, carbohydrate, lipid and cell viability. Higher amount of arsenic also induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS can easily oxidize different macromolecules present in the algal cells. To counteract arsenic toxicity, algae have evolved complex protective mechanisms to mitigate the deleterious effects and repair the damage caused by ROS. [Sharma S. Arsenic contamination and its toxicity in algae. Researcher 2015;7(4):1-6]. (ISSN: 1553-9865). http://www.sciencepub.net/researcher.