| Abstract: | 1-phenylethanol(1-PEA)is a flavor extensively used in the production of co smetics,beverages,and food.The release of 1-PEA into coastal environments has aroused great concern.However,its potential effects on marine organisms are still unknown.In order to provide a better understanding of the ecological risks of 1-PEA in marine environments,this study determined the toxic effects of 1-PEA on two marine diatoms(Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Skeletonema costatum).The diatoms were grown in culture medium containing different concentrations of 1-PEA for 96 h.The contents of chlorophyll a,chlorophyll c,glutathione(GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA),and the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT)and glutathione peroxidase(GPx),were measured at the end of the exposure period.1-PEA was shown to significantly inhibit the growth of diatoms,with 96-h EC_(50) values of 257.14 mg/L and 126.46 mg/L in P.tricornutum and S.costatum,respectively.In P.tricornutum,the levels of SOD,CAT,GPx,GSH,and MDA were stimulated only when 1-PEA concentrations were close to or greater than the 96-h EC_(50)value.However,in S.costatum,the activities of SOD and CAT,and the syntheses of two chlorophylls were inhibited even at an exposure concentration below the 96-h EC_(50) value.Taken together,these findings indicate a potential ecological risk by discharging 1-PEA into coastal areas and its species-specific toxic effects on marine organisms. |
