Effect of Heavy Metal Toxicity on Chlorella sp. from Natural Freshwater Sources (Phase 2)

This project addresses the issue of heavy metal contamination in freshwater sources and its potential bioaccumulation in the food chain, using the microalga Chlorella as a model organism. The primary goal is to evaluate the toxicological consequences of exposure to lead, cadmium, and chromium (VI) on natural strains of Chlorella. The methodology focuses on the detailed analysis of key algal development parameters, including morphological changes, pigment production, and cell density, as indicators of toxicity. Although Chlorella is known for its bioremediation capacity, this same property poses an ecological risk by mobilizing metals through trophic levels. The results obtained aim to provide crucial data for establishing environmental conservation measures in contaminated aquatic ecosystems. This study will serve as a battery of toxicity tests, benefiting the scientific community in Algal Biotechnology and Environmental Conservation, and supporting the development of thesis projects.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To study the effect of heavy metal exposure (lead, cadmium, and chromium VI) on the morphological development, pigment production, and cell density of freshwater natural source Chlorella microalgae.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Biodiversity and genetic resources