Biofortification of Ulva species offers a sustainable way to enhance the nutritional content of marine macroalgae for use in fortified food products. This study investigates the bioaccumulation of iron and copper in Ulva spp. Samples were exposed to two concentrations of iron (25 μM and 50 μM) and copper (25 μM and 50 μM) for 24 h. Samples were collected at seven time points (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 12, and 24 h) to assess mineral elements uptake over time. Mineral ele- ments content was measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and accumulation curves for iron and copper were generated. At moderate copper concentrations (25 μM), Ulva spp. reached a saturation point within 8–12 h, suggesting a limited availability of binding sites and effective physiological regulation. In contrast, iron accumulation at the same con- centration plateaued after 12 h, indicating a different storage capacity and uptake mechanism. At higher concentrations (50 μM), copper uptake remained linear until 12 h before plateauing, whereas iron uptake showed no saturation within the 24 h timeframe, demonstrating prolonged absorption driven by a steep gradient. These findings highlight Ulva’s distinct uptake mechanisms for copper and iron, emphasizing its potential as a bioindicator for environmental monitoring and a biofortification candidate for addressing micronutrient deficiencies, making Ulva spp. a valuable asset for sustainable development and public health improvement.

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Evaluation of Copper and Iron Accumulation in Ulva spp. During Short-Term Exposure

  • Cláudia Lopes,
  • Catarina D. Freire,
  • Verónica Felí- cio,
  • Sónia Barroso,
  • Miguel P. Mourato,
  • Luísa Louro Martins,
  • Maria Manuel Gil,
  • Filipa R. Pinto

摘要

Biofortification of Ulva species offers a sustainable way to enhance the nutritional content of marine macroalgae for use in fortified food products. This study investigates the bioaccumulation of iron and copper in Ulva spp. Samples were exposed to two concentrations of iron (25 μM and 50 μM) and copper (25 μM and 50 μM) for 24 h. Samples were collected at seven time points (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 12, and 24 h) to assess mineral elements uptake over time. Mineral ele- ments content was measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and accumulation curves for iron and copper were generated. At moderate copper concentrations (25 μM), Ulva spp. reached a saturation point within 8–12 h, suggesting a limited availability of binding sites and effective physiological regulation. In contrast, iron accumulation at the same con- centration plateaued after 12 h, indicating a different storage capacity and uptake mechanism. At higher concentrations (50 μM), copper uptake remained linear until 12 h before plateauing, whereas iron uptake showed no saturation within the 24 h timeframe, demonstrating prolonged absorption driven by a steep gradient. These findings highlight Ulva’s distinct uptake mechanisms for copper and iron, emphasizing its potential as a bioindicator for environmental monitoring and a biofortification candidate for addressing micronutrient deficiencies, making Ulva spp. a valuable asset for sustainable development and public health improvement.