The use ofChlorella vulgaris in a simple demonstration of heavy metal toxicity

Abstract

The importance of the toxic effects of heavy metals mobilized into the environment by man needs to be emphasized. An experimental system is described which uses Chlorella vulgaris to demonstrate the effects of mercury and cadmium, employing methods and materials suitable for secondary schools. It can be shown that concentrations down to 0.1 mg/dm³ produce diminution of growth. Lead and arsenic, however, have little effect, at 10 mg/dm³ on Chlorella. Further experiments show additive interactions between cadmium and mercury and antagonistic interactions between cadmium and zinc.