Research Article

Evaluation of Azadirachtin on Arthrospira plantensis Gomont growth parameters and antioxidant enzymes

¹ Sakarya University, Arts and Science Faculty, Biology Department, Serdivan/Sakarya, Turkey
² Balıkesir University, Arts and Science Faculty, Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Balıkesir, Turkey

^* Corresponding author: htunca@sakarya.edu.tr

Received: 11 November 2019
Accepted: 24 March 2020

Abstract

Azadirachtin (Aza) used as insecticide due to inhibiting growth of insects and preventing them from feeding on plants. To understand the effects of contamination of this insecticide on phototrophs, and to determine the responses of these organisms against these insecticides are extremely important in understanding how the ecosystem is affected. In this study, chlorophyll-a amount, OD 560 and antioxidant parameters (total SOD, APX, GR, Proline, MDA and H₂O₂) were determined in order to understand the effect of Aza on Arthrospira platensis Gomont. Aza was applied between 0–20 μg mL⁻¹ concentrations for 7 days in the study. Enzyme analysis was conducted at the end of the 7th day. There was a statistically significant decrease in the absorbance of OD560 and the chlorophyll-a content in A. platensis cultures exposed to the Aza (0–20 μg mL⁻¹) during 7 days due to the increase in pesticide levels. SOD activity decreased at 8, 16 and 20 μg mL⁻¹ concentrations; GR enzyme activity showed a significant decrease compared to the control at a concentration of 20 μg mL⁻¹. APX activity did not change significantly compared to control. The MDA content increased significantly at 16 and 20 μg mL⁻¹ concentrations. The H₂O₂ content significantly increased at 12, 16 and 20 μg mL⁻¹ concentrations (p < 0.05) while the free proline content decreased at 4 μg mL⁻¹ concentration (p < 0.05). As a result, regarding the Aza concentrations used in this study may be a step to prevent pesticide pollution in the environment.