Acute effects of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite on Scenedesmus obliquus and Daphnia magana in aquatic environment

CH3NH3PbI3 is one of the most widely studied and most promising photoelectric conversion materials for large-scale application. However, once it is discharged into the aquatic environment, it will release a variety of lethal substances to the aquatic organisms. Herein, two typical aquatic pollution indicators, Scenedesmus obliquus (a typical phytoplankton) and Daphnia magna (a typical zooplankton), were used to assess the acute effects of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite on aquatic organisms. The results showed that, when the initial CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite level (CPL) was 40 mg L−1 or higher, the growth of S. obliquus would be remarkably inhibited with significant decreases of chlorophyll content and protein content. And when the CPL was over 5 mg L−1, the survival of D. magna would be notably threatened. Specifically, the 72 h EC-50 of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite to S. obliquus was calculated as 37.21 mg L−1, and the 24 h LC-50 of this perovskite to D. magna adults and neonates were calculated as 37.53 mg L−1 and 18.55 mg L−1, respectively. Moreover, remarkably solution pH declination and large amounts of lead bio-accumulation was observed in the both acute experiments, which could be the main reasons causing the above acute effects. Considering the strong acute effects of these CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite materials and their attractive application prospect, more attentions should be paid on their harmness to the environment. •Acute effects of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite on typical aquatic indicators were tested.•72 h EC-50 of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite to S. obliquus was 37.21 mg L−1.•The 24 h LC-50 to D. magna adults and neonates were 37.53 mg L−1 and 18.55 mg L−1.•Solution pH decrease and Pb2+ release could be the main affecting mechanisms.