Effect of high zinc concentrations on the growth of Stichococcus bacillaris and Chlorella vulgaris

The effect of concentrations of zinc from 50 to 400 mg/l on the growth of Stichococcus bacillaris and Chlorella vulgaris under laboratory conditions was examined. The growth of both species was inhibited in proportion to the concentration of the metal in the medium. S. bacillaris was more tolerant to high zinc concentrations than C. vulgaris. Microscopical examination of cells growing in medium with zinc did not reveal any significant changes compared to the control cultures.