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MELIMEX, an experimental heavy metal pollution study: Effects of increased heavy metal loads on phytoplankton communities

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Abstract

Long-term impacts of increased metal loading (Hg, Cu, Cd, Zn and Pb) on phytoplankton communities of large limno-corrals (diameter 12 m, depth 10 m) were studied. Increased metal concentrations initially lowered phytoplankton biomass, as well as species number and photosynthetic activity of phytoplankton. They caused changes in metal speciation and shifts in phytoplankton community structure, favoring less susceptible species. Although adaptation was not sufficient to completely prevent the metal-induced depression of photosynthesis, due to depressed zooplankton grazing, at the end of the experiment even higher phytoplankton densities were observed in the metal-loaded corrals than in the control.

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Author notes

  1. René Gächter &  Antonín Máreš

    Present address: Swiss Federal Institute for Water Resources and Water Pollution Control (EAWAG) at Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology (ETH), CH-6047, Kastanienbaum, Switzerland

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    1. René Gächter
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    2. Antonín Máreš
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    Gächter, R., Máreš, A. MELIMEX, an experimental heavy metal pollution study: Effects of increased heavy metal loads on phytoplankton communities. Schweiz. Z. Hydrologie 41, 228–246 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02502247

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    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02502247

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