Short-term toxic effects of Potassium peroxymonosulfate on Chlorella pyrenoidosa: due to its rapid degradation

This study evaluated acute toxicity of PMS to Chlorella pyrenoidosa over 24-96 h to establish a 96 h EC₅₀. Chronic exposure groups (0, 1.70, 3.40, 8.49 mg/L, corresponding to 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 of the EC₅₀) were cultured for 12 days.

Cell growth, oxidative stress, ultrastructure, chlorophyll fluorescence, and transcriptomic genes were measured on days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12. PMS decomposition products were monitored and correlated with physiological and Biochemical responses. PMS rapid decomposition increased breakdown products, inhibiting algal growth during days 0-3 and causing surface wrinkling, plasmolysis, chloroplast damage, and thylakoid disarray.