Chronic response of Anabaena fertilissima Rao, C.B. on growth, metabolites and enzymatic activities by chlorophenoxy herbicide

Study was carried out to investigate the chronic response of cyanobacteria, Anabaena fertilissima to chlorophenoxy herbicide 2,4-dichlorophynoxyacetic Acid (2,4-D) ethyl ester at different concentrations 15, 30 and 60 ppm. The influence of 2,4-D on growth (pigments), release of metabolites such as carbohydrates, protein, amino acid, phenols and nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase activities was analyzed. The test concentrations caused a concentration-dependent decrease in pigments. Depletion in carbohydrate and protein content was registered with rise in herbicide concentrations. However, phenols were found to rise with increased herbicide concentrations but amino acids were reported to decline. The inhibition of nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase activity was also concentration-dependent and showed more sensitivity for substituted phenoxy herbicide. This study therefore suggests that decrease in metabolite content and enzyme activity can be used as a signal of herbicide toxicity in cyanobacteria.