Physiological responses of Arthrobacter sp. JQ-1 cell interfaces to co-existed di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and copper

Arthrobacter sp. JQ-1 can completely degrade 500 mg/L of DEHP within 3 days. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Cu2+ could reach 1.56 mM, however, 5.0 mg/L Cu2+ apparently inhibited DEHP degradation and bacterial growth. Consequently, JQ-1 was exposed to the DEHP-copper environment to verify the toxicity mechanism based on the physiological responses of cellular multiple interfaces (cellular surface, membrane and intracellular characteristics). The results showed the combination of 500 mg/L DEHP and 5.0 mg/L Cu2+ significantly decreased cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and the absolute value of zeta potential, which implied the bioavailability of DEHP was decreased. The cellular surface changes were mainly due to the interaction between Cu2+ and some functional groups (CH2, CH3, aromatic rings, and amide). The weakened proton-motive force (PMF) across the plasma membrane may interfere the formation and utilization of energy, which is not conducive to the repair process of cellular damages. In this study, Non-invasive micro-test technology (NMT) was applied to the research of combined toxicity of DEHP and heavy metal ions for the first time. DEHP-copper intensified K+ efflux and Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane, which disturbed ion homeostasis of K+ and Ca2+ and might induce apoptosis and further inhibit DEHP degradation. The decline of intracellular esterase activity indicated that the metabolic capacity is apparently restrained. This study enhances our understanding of cellular different interface processes responding to combined pollutants. •1. Arthrobacter sp. JQ-1 could completely degrade 500 mg/L DEHP within 3 days.•2. DEHP-Cu2+ shows much higher toxicity than separate pollutant.•3. Cellular surface properties and intracellular esterase are significantly affected by DEHP- Cu2+.•4. The K+ efflux and Ca2+ influx could be intensified by DEHP- Cu2+.