Effects of the heavy metals copper and zinc on zooxanthellae cells in culture
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Abstract
The growth of symbiotic algal cells (zooxanthellae) isolated from the coral, Montipora verrucosa under the influence of the heavy metals copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) was investigated. Zooxanthellae cells cultured in f/2 enriched seawater medium were subjected to a maximum Cu level of 42μg.l-1, Zn concentration of 509μg.l-1, and various combinations of the two metals, in ecotoxicological bioassays lasting up to 28 days. A Cu level of 40μg.l-1 caused significantly depressed specific growth rates of cell cultures obtained using a standard growth model. Low concentrations of the metals Cu and Zn in combination elicited synergistic effects of sublethal toxicity. The use of cultured zooxanthellae cells in bioassays investigating sublethal effects of heavy metal stress has relevant applications in the field of pollution monitoring.
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Source Title
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
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Date
1997
DOI
10.1023/A:1005703700303
Type
Conference Paper