Significant alleviation of cadmium toxicity in Thalassiosira weissflogii through the combined effect of high silicon and zinc supplementation

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd), a prevalent pollutant in near-shore seawater ecosystems, poses a significant threat to marine biota. Zinc (Zn) and Cd can have interchangeable physiological effects in marine plankton, and both can influence the synthesis of siliceous walls. Consequently, the concentrations of zinc and silicon may jointly impact the toxicity of Cd. This study endeavors to elucidate the combined effect of silicon (Si) and zinc (Zn) on the growth and physiological responses of the marine diatom species Thalassiosira weissflogii when subjected to Cd-induced stress conditions (190.7 μg L⁻¹). Our results reveal statistically improvements (p<0.05) in biomass production, reductions (p<0.05) in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and extracellular secretion in T. weissflogii when high concentrations of Si (172 µmol L⁻¹) and Zn (18.3 nmol L⁻¹) were applied simultaneously. Additionally, examination of Cd bioconcentration factors (BCF) derived from Cd uptake kinetics and intracellular Cd content measurements underscores the ability of elevated Si and Zn concentrations to reduce intracellular Cd accumulation (p<0.05). The ability of Si and Zn to mitigate Cd toxicity was further evidenced by increased cellular biosilica content and maintenance of cell morphology, suggesting a protective role in preserving structural integrity and growth. Our findings underscore the synergistic benefits of Si and Zn in enhancing the resilience of T. weissflogii to Cd stress, providing valuable insights into the potential use of nutrient amendments as a strategy for mitigating heavy metal contamination in marine environments.