Time-course effects of Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) on Chlorella pyrenoidosa: Growth inhibition and adaptability mechanisms

Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP), a widely used chlorinated organophosphorus flame retardant, is an increasingly widespread contaminant of aquatic environment. In this study, time-dependent effect of TDCPP on the freshwater green-algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa was investigated and its underlying mechanisms were explored. We show that TDCPP lower than 10 ppm caused a reversible inhibition of algal growth, with complete inhibition occurring at 15 ppm. This inhibition was not caused by damage from reactive oxygen species, but rather resulted from the impairment of photosynthetic function, with PSII reaction center as the primary target, as indicated by Chl a fluorescence induction, QA-reoxidation, S-state distribution and immunoblot analysis. The reversal of damage caused by TDCPP concentrations under 10 ppm might be attributable to the repair of photosynthetic function by de novo protein biosynthesis in the chloroplast, with the most likely explanation being the replacement of the damaged PSII D1 protein. The results provide novel insights into mechanisms of TDCPP toxicity toward freshwater microalgae and better understanding of ecological consequences of TDCPP in the environment.

Automated summary

TDCPP, a widely used flame retardant, inhibits the growth of freshwater green-algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa in a time-dependent manner. The impairment of photosynthetic function, particularly the PSII reaction center, is the main mechanism of TDCPP toxicity towards the algae.