%0 Journal Article %J Journal of Hazardous Materials %D 2023 %T Assessing indicators of arsenic toxicity using variable fluorescence in a commercially valuable microalgae: physiological and toxicological aspects %A Das, Shagnika %A Lizon, Fabrice %A Gevaert, François %A Bialais, Capucine %A Duong, Gwendoline %A Ouddane, Baghdad %A Souissi, Sami %K Arsenic bioaccumulation %K de-epoxidation ratio (DR) %K Optical absorption cross section %K pigment concentrations %K RCC1537 %X Indicators signaling Arsenic (As) stress through physiology of microalgae using non-destructive methods like variable fluorescence are rare but requisite. This study reports stress markers indicating arsenic (As) toxicity (in two concentrations 11.25µg/L and 22.5µg/L compared to a control) exposed to a microalga (Diacronema lutheri), using fast repetition rate fluorometry (FRRf). Growth and physiological parameters such as cell density, chl a and the maximum quantum yield Fv/Fm showed coherence and impeded after the exponential phase (day 9 - day 12) in As treatments compared to the control (p < 0.05). On contrary photo-physiological constants were elevated showing higher optical (aLHII) and functional [Sigma (σPSII)] absorption cross-section for the As treatments (p < 0.05) further implying the lack of biomass production yet an increase in light absorption. In addition, As exposure increased the energy dissipation by heat (NPQ-NSV) showing a strong relationship with the de-epoxidation ratio (DR) involving photoprotective pigments. Total As bioaccumulation by D. lutheri showed a strong affinity with Fe adsorption throughout the algal growth curve. This study suggests some prompt photo-physiological proxies signaling As contamination and endorsing its usefulness in risk assessments, given the high toxicity and ubiquitous presence of As in the ecosystem. %B Journal of Hazardous Materials %P 131215 %8 mar %G eng %U https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304389423004971 %R 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131215