Effects of copper, lead and zinc on phytoplankton growth

Abstract

Impact of Cu, Pb and Zn on the growth of Closterium acerosum, Pediastrum simplex, Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus quadricauda was studied in vitro. At concentration 0.1 g m-3 these metals were not toxic, however, at concentration 10.0 g m-3 the growth of phytoplankton was inhibited. Cu was the most toxic followed by Pb and Zn. S. quadricauda expressed highest tolerance to these metals, and least tolerance was exhibited by C. acerosum.