Abstract
Zinc incorporation into the frustule (siliceous cell wall) of the freshwater diatom Stephanodiscus hantzschii was studied for Zn 2+ concentrations ranging from 25 pmol L − 1 to 25 nmol L − 1 . A sigmoidal dependency was observed between Zn 2+ concentrations in the culture medium and the concentration of Zn in the frustule. Concentrations of intracellular Zn were positively correlated with Zn in the frustule, suggesting that Zn in the frustule originated from intracellular pools. The processes leading to Zn incorporation into the cell wall were examined by determining the role(s) of Si and Mn via competition experiments. Results demonstrated that Zn competed with Mn for incorporation into the frustule. Zn/Si values for S. hantzschii were consistent with field data obtained from Lake Geneva (Switzerland). The study suggests that the Zn content of fossil frustules could be a valuable tool to study past levels of bioavailable Zn in freshwaters.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
