Physiological and ecotoxicological eff ects of glyphosate on the green algae Raphidocelis subcapitata

Lengyel, Edina and Zsuga-Biró, Rita and Hubai, Katalin Eszter (2025) Physiological and ecotoxicological eff ects of glyphosate on the green algae Raphidocelis subcapitata. STUDIA BOTANICA HUNGARICA, 56 (1). pp. 141-154. ISSN 0301-7001

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Abstract

Glyphosate is the world’s most widely used herbicide, yet its eff ects on aquatic ecosystems – especially microalgae – remain poorly understood. Th is study investigated the physiological responses (photosynthesis, chlorophyll-a and pheophytin content, nitrogen and phosphorus uptake rates, optical density, protein content, and stress enzyme activity) of Raphidocelis subcapitata, a standard OECD test species, to a range of glyphosate concentrations (0.45–7.2 μg L–1) over 14 days. Results showed that glyphosate signifi cantly infl uenced several parameters, including reductions in photosynthetic activity and nutrient uptake rates, alongside increased oxidative stress responses at higher concentrations. At low concentrations (≤ 0.9 μg L–1), signs of hormesis were observed, with elevated photosynthesis and chlorophyll-a content. Principal component analysis revealed clear separation of treatment groups based on glyphosate levels and exposure time. T h e fi ndings supported species-specifi c and dose-dependent eff ects of glyphosate on freshwater algae, and emphasised the ecological vulnerability of shallow water bodies, such as Lake Balaton, to herbicide contamination. Th e results highlight the necessity for a stricter monitoring system, and further research on the chronic low-level impacts of glyphosate, as well as the development of environmentally safer alternatives. Present paper was inspired by Professor Judit Padisák, who has been a committed and unwavering advocate of Lake Balaton research from the beginning of her scientifi c career to the present day.

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