Abstract
Effects of 12 heavy metals on growth of free and alginate-immobilized cells of the alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata were investigated. The tested metals ions include Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Se, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn. Toxicity values (EC50) were calculated by graphical interpolation from dose-response curves. The highest to the lowest toxic metals are in the order Cd > Co > Hg > Cu > Ni > Zn > Cr > Al > Se > As > Pb > Sr. The lowest metal concentration (mg L−1) inhibiting 50% (EC50) of algal growth of free and immobilized (values in parentheses) algal cells were, 0.018 (0.09) for Cd, 0.03 (0.06) for Co, 0.039 (0.06) for Hg, 0.048 (0.050) for Cu, 0.055 (0.3) for Ni, 0.08 (0.1) for Zn, 0.2 (0.3) for Cr, 0.75 (1.8) for Al, 1.2 (1.4) for Se, 3.0 (4.0) for As, 3.3 (5.0) for Pb, and 160 (180) for Sr. Free and immobilized cultures showed similar responses to Cu and Se. The free cells were more sensitive than the immobilized ones. Accordingly, the toxicity (EC50) of heavy metals derived only form immobilized algal cells might by questionable. The study suggests that batteries of alginate-immobilized algae can efficiently replace free algae for the bio-removal of heavy metals.
Highlights
Heavy metals are natural constituents of the Earth’s crust
The responses of free and alginate-immobilized cells to different concentrations of metal ions are shown in Figures 1 and 2
Since metal toxicity to algae is highly pH dependent [11,26], all tests of toxicity against free and alginate-immobilized algal cells were performed at a fixed pH of 7.2
Summary
Heavy metals are natural constituents of the Earth’s crust. In undisturbed natural aquatic habitats, the processes of metal release and accumulation are fairly balanced. This balance has been disturbed by human activities that result in excessive environmental heavy metal pollution. Heavy metal contaminated environments pose great risks to human health and the function, integrity, and stability of ecosystems [1]. Heavy metal contamination has led to serious health episodes It is important to acquire adequate scientific knowledge about the biological effects and environmental behavior of toxic metals
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