Abstract
A growth inhibition test method was developed using the macroalga Gracilaria tenuistipitata as the test organism. This alga was chosen because of its high laboratory growth rates, commonly 30–40% d1, which are reached in salinities between 5 and 40‰, and its epiphyte resistance. The toxicity of a number of substances, including heavy metals, herbicides and complex wastewaters towards the alga was assayed. Anti-fouling paints were tested with a modification of the method. EC50 values for heavy metals varied between 0.05 and 17 mg 1-1 and for herbicides between 0.002 and 0.02 mg 1-1. The sensitivity to the toxicant was generally higher at low salinity. Omitting nitrogen and phosphorus additions to the test medium increased the sensitivity and a semi-static performance was possible with maintained or increased sensitivity. Preliminary tests done with a computerised photosynthesis inhibition method produced promising results.
In conclusion, this is a simple, sensitive and reproducible test method for assessing the toxicity of substances, wastewaters and anti-fouling paints in brackish and marine environments.
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Haglund, K., Björklund, M., Gunnare, S., Sandberg, A., Olander, U., Pedersén, M. (1996). New method for toxicity assessment in marine and brackish environments using the macroalga Gracilaria tenuistipitata (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta). In: Lindstrom, S.C., Chapman, D.J. (eds) Fifteenth International Seaweed Symposium. Developments in Hydrobiology, vol 116. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-1659-3_45
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-1659-3_45
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