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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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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Reef Ecology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore, 0511

    B.P.L. Goh & L.M. Chou

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  1. B.P.L. Goh
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  2. L.M. Chou
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Goh, B., Chou, L. Effects of the Heavy Metals Copper and Zinc on Zooxanthellae Cells in Culture. Environ Monit Assess 44, 11–19 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005703700303

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