Abstract:
Ulva intestinalis (UI) is widely available edible seaweed and has potential to be introduced as functional
food items in Bangladesh. However, potential health hazards of this seaweed with biotoxicity assays
and its relation to heavy metal contents were not evaluated previously. With these objectives, toxic
effects of UI collected from floating raft culture in Monkhali Beach was evaluated using various
organisms such as Chlorella vulgaris, Artemia salina, Daphnia magna, and Lactuca sativa. In relation
to this effects, heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and As) and its potential health
hazards were subsequently analyzed. The results showed that UI water extract had positive effects on
the survivability and growth of the all-test organisms over different time periods, with minimal LC50
values, indicating no toxic to tested organisms. However, increased levels of total dissolved solids and
electrical conductivity were observed as extract concentrations increased but considered to be safe
below 5 mg kg
−1
, as compared to control. Moreover, Fe, Cr, Ni, Cu and Zn (43.60, 0.10, 0.44, 0.07, 0.27
and 0.13 mg kg
−1
of dry weight, respectively) in UI were found to be low levels compared to previous
studies, in addition, Cd and As remained not detected. No significant health risk (HQ < 1) and target
carcinogenic risk were found. Therefore, UI could be utilized as functional foods or nutraceuticals for
health-conscious consumers of Bangladesh without having potential risks.
