Ecotoxicological effects of typical pollutants on algae in aquatic environment: a review

The ecotoxicological effects of heavy metals, organic compounds, and artificial nanomaterials on algae growth were reviewed in the this paper, from which we conclude that the pollutants had stimulating effects on the growth of algae within the low concentration range, and the number of algal cells increased in the short term. This phenomenon occurred during early exposure to the low concentration group and in the middle and late stages of exposure to the medium concentration group. However, algae growth was highly inhibited, and the algal cells were stressed in the high concentration group. Toxic mechanisms of pollutants on algae were explained through the influencing perspectives of enzyme activity, photosynthesis, cell structure, and metabolism of algae. The present review will be certain to provide guidance for the biological evaluation of water pollution.