Characteristics of toxin production and release in Microcystis aeruginosa exposed to three tetracycline antibiotics

The application of antibiotics is remarkable globally. However, antibiotic residues in aquatic ecosystems can pose adverse effects on nontarget plants and animals. In the present study, the cell growth properties and the production and release of microcystin-LR and microcystin-RR in cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa after exposure to three typical antibiotics were investigated. Results showed that the order of the degree of chronic toxicities of the three chemicals was oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC) > tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) > chlortetracycline hydrochloride (CTC). The target antibiotics interfered with the production and release of the toxins microcystin-LR and microcystin-RR to varying degrees. TC simultaneously increased MC-LR intracellular and extracellular concentrations and interfered with MC-RR intracellular and extracellular concentrations to varying degrees. CTC reduced MC-LR intracellular concentrations and simultaneously reduced the MC-RR intracellular and extracellular concentrations. OTC increased the MC-LR intracellular and extracellular concentrations but did not have an effect on MC-RR concentrations. The extracellular MC-LR concentrations increased dramatically from day 24 to 27 when the cells were saturated, while most MC-RRs stayed within the cells. MC-LR can easily enter the surrounding water body and pose a threat when the water blooms occurred. Our results may help illustrate the influence of tetracycline antibiotics on the production and release of toxin in M. aeruginosa. It is important for environmental protection and evaluation. The results may as well guide the use of antibiotics in agricultural settings.