Bioaccumulation and toxicity studies of macroalgae (Charophyceae) treated with aluminium: Experimental studies in the context of lake restoration

•Coagulants based on aluminium, applied in the lakes restoration are toxic for charophytes.•Toxicity resulted in chloroses, detachment of corticating cells and softening of thallus.•Maximum Al measured to accumulate in C. hispida was 2.0 mg Al g−1 dry weight.•Chara hispida has weak ability to accumulate aluminium (BCF < 200).

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of aluminium on the perennial macroalgae Chara hispida L. and its bioaccumulation capacities. Aluminium (Al) was introduced into the environment in the form of polyaluminium chloride, an agent utilized in the restoration of waterbodies. Research was conducted in an experimental setting using mesocosms (volume 0.8 m3) placed in the littoral zone of a lake with C. hispida. Three doses of the coagulant were applied, each with a different volume: low - 6.1 g Al m−3, medium - 12.2 g m−3 and high - 24.5 g Al m−3. A significant acidification of environment was determined, which would imply the presence of toxic Al3+ ions. It has been demonstrated that aluminium penetrates and accumulates in the cells of the charophyte. This caused damage to the thalli, which manifested itself in chloroses, necroses, flaking of the cortex cells and softening of the thallus, whose severity was proportionate to the dose of the coagulant. The first negative signs were observed after 24 h. The study shows that C. hispida is a poor accumulator of aluminium (bioconcentration factor < 200), while bioaccumulation capacity was inhibited at the concentration of approx. 2.0 mg Al g−1 d.w. Accumulation in the thalli of the charophytes accounted for 58% of variation following removal of aluminium from the environment. The results of the experiment demonstrate a negative impact of aluminium on charophytes at concentrations used in aggressive restoration of lakes.