The microalgae Chaetoceros tenuissimus exposed to contaminants of emerging concern: A potential alternative to standardized species for marine quality assessment

Microalgae occupy a key trophic level since primary producers at the base of aquatic food chain. Moreover, they are well suited for ecotoxicological tests because easily cultured and sensitive to contaminants. However, species sensitiveness same chemicals can vary greatly. Thus, we characterized non-standardized diatom Chaetoceros tenuissimus by means growth inhibition, biochemical, infrared-spectroscopy (FT-IR) compared results against standardized Phaeodactylum tricornutum. The two were exposed 72 h four chemicals: nanoparticles (n-TiO2, n-ZnO), potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), surfactant (polyethylene glycol; PEG). sensitivity C. in inhibition test chlorophyll-a analysis was always higher than P. In particular, exhibited an earlier endpoint all here considered. FT-IR showed spectral alterations (molecular changes chlorophyll) both microalgal negative controls, with stronger conclusion, broad range toxic chemicals, indicating potential use this marine quality assessment as alternative