Influence of low concentrations of cadmium, copper and zinc on phytoplanktor of natural water samples

Abstract

Water samples from different areas were investigated after addition of varying concentrations of heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Cu). Accumulation of metal by phytoplankton was measured, employing the radio isotopes Cd-109, Zn-65 and Cu-64. Influence of metal to C fixation rate of phytoplankton and to glucose incorporation by bacteria was determined. Accumulation of metal, expressed as enrichment factor, was highest at the lowest ambient metal concentration. At higher concentrations a constant value was reached. This change in enrichment was related to plankton activity. Corresponding data of metal content per chlorophyll a unit for the point when accumulation changes are compared for different samples. These concentrations vary for different organisms.