Ionic liquids (ILs) are known as "green solvents" and widely used in industrial applications. However, little research has been conducted on cyanobacteria. This study was conducted to investigate the toxicity of ionic liquids ([Hmim]Cl) on Microcystis aeruginosa PCC7806. The EC50 (72 h) of [Hmim]Cl on the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806 was 10.624 ± 0.221 mg L-1. The possible mechanism of toxicity of [Hmim]Cl against M. aeruginosa PCC 7806 was evaluated by measuring cell growth, photosynthetic pigment contents, chlorophyll fluorescence transients, cell ultrastructure, and transcription of the microcystin-producing gene (mcyB). The concentrations of chlorophyll a and carotenoids were significantly reduced in treated M. aeruginosa cultures. The results of chlorophyll fluorescence transients showed that [Hmim]Cl could destruct the electron-accepting side of the photosystem II of M. aeruginosa PCC 7806. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated cell damage including changes in the structure of the cell wall and cell membrane, thylakoid destruction, and nucleoid disassembly. The transcription of the mcyB gene was also inhibited under [Hmim]Cl stress. In summary, this study provides new insights into the toxicity of [Hmim]Cl on cyanobactreia.
Keywords: [Hmim]Cl; aquatic ecosystem; microorganism; photosynthesis; toxicology.