Influence of industrial dye- BR46 on induction of oxidative stress and study of its bioremediation potential by aquatic fern Salvinia natans

Azo dyes are the most important and widely used dyes in various industries. This group of pollutants is a threat to aquatic life. In the present study, the effect of three different concentrations (0, 10, 20mg/L) of the basic red 46, (BR46) on the physiological characteristics of aquatic fern Salvinia natans was evaluated at the 7-day treatment period. Also, the ability of S. natans for bioremoval of BR46 was evaluated. The results showed that chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll content, despite chlorophyll b, decreased at 20mg/L concentration. At 20 mg/L of BR46, relative growth rate and effect index decreased and increased, respectively. Total carotenoid concentration was increased by 72% at 20mg/L. Cyanidine glycoside concentration, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity increased in the presence of 10 and 20 mg/L of BR46. On day 7th, the highest bioremoval efficiency was observed in the presence of 20mg/L BR46. Thus, S. natans has the ability to remove BR46 from contaminated water but the presence of both 10 and 20mg/L of dye induced antioxidant activity and the risk of oxidative stress for S. natans.