Light and antioxidant systems play a crucial role in the life activities of algal cells. This study investigates the algicidal efficacy of hydrogen peroxide (H
2O
2) against the harmful algal bloom (HAB)-forming dinoflagellate
Prorocentrum donghaiense Lu, with a focus on
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Light and antioxidant systems play a crucial role in the life activities of algal cells. This study investigates the algicidal efficacy of hydrogen peroxide (H
2O
2) against the harmful algal bloom (HAB)-forming dinoflagellate
Prorocentrum donghaiense Lu, with a focus on the modulating roles of light conditions and iron ion environments. Within 180 min, dark-adapted cells showed 78% greater viability loss than light-exposed ones, and Fe
3O
4 nanoparticles synergistically enhanced H
2O
2 inhibition. Imaging and cytometry confirmed cell damage, including membrane rupture. Mechanistically, H
2O
2 penetrated cells, induced severe oxidative stress, suppressed photosynthesis, and compromised membrane integrity. Darkness likely exacerbated toxicity by depleting antioxidant reserves. This study elucidates an apoptosis-like pathway underlying H
2O
2-induced cell death and highlights the critical influence of ambient light on treatment efficiency. These findings reveal an apoptosis-like death pathway and highlight ambient light’s critical role, suggesting that optimized nighttime H
2O
2 application with nanomaterial synergists could improve HAB control strategies.
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