Evaluation of the toxic effects of NiMoO4 and ZnMoO4 compounds, isolated and in mixture, on the microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata

• Grant number: 24/12974-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Elson Longo da Silva
• Grantee: Lays de Oliveira Goncalves Alho
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials, AP.CEPID

Abstract

In recent years, semiconductors have been widely used in photocatalytic processes. Molybdenum-based compounds have attracted considerable attention due to their optical and structural properties. Nickel molybdate (NiMoO4) is considered a potential active catalyst for the treatment of industrial effluents. Zinc molybdate (ZnMoO4) has a remarkable anticorrosive capacity, making it a great choice to replace toxic anticorrosive agents such as chromate, lead and cobalt, in addition to having photocatalytic capacity. The increased use of these compounds has generated concern regarding the fate of the effluents, since there is no ecotoxicological data on these compounds for microalgae. This work aims to investigate the possible toxic effects of NiMoO4 and ZnMoO4, alone and in mixture, on the chlorophyte of Raphidocelis subcapitata. The effects on growth, photosynthetic activity and determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid classes composition will be evaluated. The data obtained in this study will support the development of regulations to protect aquatic environments and the development of functional materials that are safer for the environment.