THE EFFECT OF SALINITY ON THE TOTAL ACCUMULATION OF COPPER AND ZINC IN THE MACROALGAE Ulva fasciata

Alexander W. Geddie*
 
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC, 27695
awgeddie@ncsu.edu
 

The relationship between macroalgae and metal pollution is critical in the growing industry of aquaculture. Metal pollution can inhibit cultivation and spoil product. Phytoremediation with macroalgae has been explored as a method of metal removal in aquatic systems. Salinity is recognized as an important factor in metal accumulation. However, the impact of salinity on total metal accumulation in macroalgae remains unclear. The impact is further complicated by metals, such as copper and zinc, that function as micronutrients in fine doses, but poison the algae under excessive concentrations. The present study was undertaken to determine the degree to which salinity affects the total copper and zinc accumulation in macroalgae.

To determine the relationship between macroalgal copper and zinc accumulation at different salinity levels, a model organism, Ulva fasciata, was cultured at three different salinity levels (15, 25, and 35 parts per thousand) and four metal combinations (50/100, 50/250, 100/100, and 100/250 as parts-per-billion copper/parts-per-billion zinc). Triplicates of each salinity-metal combination - for a total of 36 test units - were cultured indoors for three weeks. Toxic effects were assessed as a function of growth rate at the end of the testing period.

Results and a discussion will be provided in a future update.