Response of bloom-forming cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa to 17β-estradiol at different nitrogen levels

Abstract Co-existence of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) and steroid estrogens (SEs) has been an increasing concern in eutrophic waters. The cellular responses and biodegradation of 17β-estradiol (E2) in cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa were investigated at different nitrogen levels. During the 10-d experiment, the growth of M. aeruginosa was stimulated by 10–100 μg L −1 of E2 at the lowest nitrogen level of 0.5 mg L −1 , whereas the presence of E2 inhibited the cyanobacterial growth at 5 mg L −1 of nitrogen. With nitrogen concentration increased to 50 mg L −1 , the impact of E2 on levels of growth rate and chlorophyll a (Chla) alleviated. Exposure to E2 also promoted the superoxide dismutase activity of M. aeruginosa , coupled with cellular oxidative damage as indicated by the increasing malondialdehyde content. A sufficient nitrogen supply mitigated the oxidative stress of E2 through enhancing the synthesis of detoxification-related enzymes. Simultaneously, the secretion of tryptophan-like substances in loosely- and tightly-bound extracellular polymeric substances was triggered for adapting to an E2 addition in the short term. Moreover, significant biodegradation of E2 was observed, and the process followed a first-order kinetic reaction. The obtained half-lives decreased with nitrogen levels and ranged from 2.47 to 2.81 and 3.39–5.04 d, respectively, at 10 and 100 μg L −1 of E2. These results provide a better understanding of the potential effects of SEs on CyanoHABs formation, as well as the important role of CyanoHABs on SEs removal in aquatic ecosystems, which should be fully considered in the control of combined pollution.