Efficient algal bioassay based on short-term photosynthetic response. [Selenastrum capricornutum was used as the test organism]

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Am. Soc. Test. Mater., Spec. Tech. Publ.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5197107

Giddings, J M; Stewart, A J; O'Neill, R V; Gardner, R H

A procedure is described for measuring the effects of toxicants on algal photosynthesis (carbon-14 bicarbonate (H/sup 14/CO/sub 3/)uptake) in 4-h experiments. The results for individual aromatic compounds and the water-soluble fraction (WSF) of a synthetic oil are presented as examples of applications of the bioassay. The toxicity of the WSF varied among the seven algal species tested, and the responses of some species were pH-dependent. With Selenastrum capricornutum as the test organism, the bioassay results were unaffected by variations in pH from 7.0 to 9.0, light intensity from 40 to 200 ..mu..einsteins m/sup -2/ s/sup -1/, culture density up to 0.5 mg chlorophyll a per litre, and agitation up to 100 rpm. The photosynthesis bioassay is simpler and faster (4 h versus 4 to 14 days), uses smaller culture volumes, and requires less space than static culture-growth tests. One person can conveniently test four materials per day, and the entire procedure, including preparation, exposure, and analysis, takes less than two days. The short incubation time reduces bottle effects such as pH changes, accumulation of metabolic products, nutrient depletion, and bacterial growth. Processes that remove or alter the test materials are also minimized. The data presented here indicate that algal photosynthesis is inhibited at toxicant concentrations similar to those that cause acute effects in aquatic animals. A model of a pelagic ecosystem is used to demonstrate that even temporary (seven-day) inhibition of algal photosynthesis can have a measurable impact on other trophic levels, particularly if the other trophic levels are also experiencing toxic effects. 25 references, 6 figures, 1 table.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• OSTI ID: 5197107
• Journal Information: Am. Soc. Test. Mater., Spec. Tech. Publ.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Soc. Test. Mater., Spec. Tech. Publ.; (United States) Vol. 802; ISSN ASTTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550501 -- Metabolism-- Tracer Techniques
560302* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Microorganisms-- (-1987)
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
AROMATICS
BIOASSAY
BIOLOGICAL VARIABILITY
CARBON 14 COMPOUNDS
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHLOROPHYLL
ECOSYSTEMS
FUELS
GROWTH
HETEROCYCLIC ACIDS
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
INHIBITION
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
LABELLED COMPOUNDS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MEASURING METHODS
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
PH VALUE
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
PHYTOCHROMES
PIGMENTS
PORPHYRINS
SYNTHESIS
SYNTHETIC FUELS
SYNTHETIC PETROLEUM
TOXICITY
TRACER TECHNIQUES