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Mercury compounds reduce photosynthesis by plankton.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|November 13, 1970
Summary
Organomercurial fungicides harm aquatic life, with even 0.1 ppb reducing photosynthesis and growth in diatoms and phytoplankton. Mercury
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Marine biology
- Phytoplankton ecology
Background:
- Organomercurial fungicides are used in various applications.
- Mercury compounds can enter aquatic ecosystems.
- Phytoplankton form the base of many aquatic food webs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of organomercurial fungicides on phytoplankton.
- To determine the toxicity threshold of mercury compounds for marine diatoms and natural phytoplankton communities.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory cultures of a marine diatom species were used.
- Natural phytoplankton communities from Florida lakes were analyzed.
- Photosynthesis and growth rates were measured at varying mercury concentrations.
Main Results:
- Concentrations as low as 0.1 part per billion (ppb) of organomercurial fungicides inhibited photosynthesis and growth.
- Effects were observed in both laboratory diatom cultures and natural phytoplankton communities.
- The acute toxicity of mercury compounds varied based on chemical form and concentration.
Conclusions:
- Organomercurial fungicides pose a significant risk to aquatic primary producers even at very low concentrations.
- Phytoplankton are sensitive indicators of mercury pollution in aquatic environments.
- Understanding mercury compound toxicity is crucial for assessing ecological risks.