Physiological and biochemical responses of Microcystis aeruginosa to phosphite

Phosphorus (P) is a key biological element and limiting nutrient in aquatic environments. Phosphate (+5) is traditionally associated with the P nutrient supply. However, phosphite (+3) has recently generated a great deal of interest, because of the possibility that it is a P source based on recognition of its vital role in the original life of the early earth. This study investigated whether phosphite can be an alternative P source for Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806, one of the predominant bloom species in freshwater systems. The results indicated that M. aeruginosa could not utilize phosphite as a sole P-nutrient directly for cell growth at any concentration, but that phosphite could boost cell numbers and chlorophyll a (Chl-a) content as long as phosphate was provided simultaneously. Specifically, Chl-a production increased sharply when 5.44 mg P L−1 phosphite was added to 0.54 mg P L−1 phosphate medium. Analysis of the maximum yield of PSII indicated that phosphite may stimulate the photosynthesis process of cells in phosphate–phosphite medium. In addition, phosphite failed to support cell growth, even though it more readily permeated the cells in P-deficient medium than in P-sufficient medium. Alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) analysis indicated that, unlike organic P, phosphite inhibits the response of cells to deficient P status, especially under P-deprived conditions.

► Microcystis aeruginosa could not utilize phosphite as a sole P-nutrient directly for cell growth.
► Phosphite could boost cell numbers and chlorophyll a content as long as phosphate is provided.
► Phosphite may have a stimulating effect on the photosynthesis process of Microcystis aeruginosa.