Scientists of the Laboratory of Neutron Physics at JINR in collaboration with colleagues from the Technical University of Moldova и Horia Hulubei National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (Romania) evaluated the accumulation of holmium(III), erbium(III), and gadolinium(III) accumulation by cyanobacteria Arthrospira platensis using neutron activation analysis and elements’ effects on biomass quantity and biochemical composition. The studied elements had different effects on the primary biomolecule content, suggesting that holmium(III) and erbium(III) were more toxic than gadolinium(III) for Arthrospira platensis.

Effects of holmium(III), erbium(III), and gadolinium(III) on A. platensis productivity when introduced into the cultivation medium at different concentrations

Rare-earth elements are released into the aquatic environment as a result of their extensive use in industry and agriculture, and they can be harmful for living organisms. The effects of holmium(III), erbium(III), and gadolinium(III) when added to a growth medium in concentrations ranging from 10 to 30 mg/L on the accumulation ability and biochemical composition of Arthrospira platensis were studied.

According to the results of a neutron activation analysis, the uptake of elements by cyanobacteria occurred in a dose-dependent manner. The addition of gadolinium(III) to the growth medium did not significantly affect the amount of biomass, whereas erbium(III) and holmium(III) reduced it up to 22% compared to the control. The effects of rare-earth elements on the content of proteins, carbohydrates, phycobiliproteins, lipids, β carotene, and chlorophyll a were evaluated.

Microorganisms published an article about this study in 2024. Among the authors are employees of the FLNP JINR: head of the Neutron Activation Analysis and Applied Research Sector Inga Zinicovscaia and head of the Gamma Spectrometry Group Dmitrii Grozdov.