Effects of Quantum Dots Adsorption on Algal Photosynthesis

We report on the adsorption of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots and its effects on algal photosynthesis. A logarithmic trend was established for the adsorption process using UV−vis spectrophotometry, with Freundlich constants determined as k = 0.588 ppm1−n and n = 0.629. Both our CO2 depletion and O2 production assays showed a significantly inhibited photosynthetic activity of the algae exposed to the quantum dots, suggesting the potential impact of nanoparticle adsorption on the photochemistry of plant species.