Algicidal effects of free-amine water-soluble chitosan to marine harmful algal species

Abstract Harmful algal blooms (HABs) commonly cause significant damage to aquatic systems due to toxin production and depletion of oxygen. In this study, the low molecular weight water-soluble chitosan (LMWSC) was investigated as a new algicidal compound by first investigating the potential of LMWSC in selective combating HABs. The LMWSCs disrupted algal cell and chloroplast membranes within 1 h against HABs, leading to efflux of the intracellular components. For co-cultivation of harmful and harmless algal, LMWSC selectively kill the harmful algal. Based on these results, LMWSC is a promising novel material for harmful algal bloom control.