Determination of the bioaccumulation of sucralose un the freshwater alga, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata

Abstract

The bioaccumulation of sucralose in the freshwater alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata was determined using a 48 hour static exposure system. Two exposure concentrations (10 and 100 mg/L) plus an appropriate control were used for the study. The algae was analysed on 2 occasions during the exposure phase using liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (LC/MS). A steady state concentration in the algae was achieved after 24 hours and the bioconcentration factor (BCF) at steady state (BCFSS) was calculated to be <1 for both the 10 and 100 mg/L test concentrations respectively. This indicates that sucralose does not accumulate significantly in P. subcapitata and the BCFSS were considerably lower than the criteria set to identify persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) substances (i.e. >2000).