An Alternative Test Using Algal Cultures for Testing Chemicals for Toxicity

Abstract

An alternative test is presented, in which algal cultures are used for testing toxic substances. This test system is based on variations in the size distribution of cells in test cultures as a measurement of growth. Thus, inhibition of mitotic activity is used as a measurement for toxic effects. The test can be performed on a short time-scale and is very sensitive to even weak toxic doses.

Keywords

algae ecotoxicology growth inhibition size distribution heavy metals toxins

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

OECD (1984). Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals 201, 1–14.

Prezélin

B.B.

(1992). Diel periodicity in phytoplankton productivity. Hydrobiologia 238, 1–35.

Edmunds

L.N.

(1988). Cellular and Molecular Bases of Biological Clocks, 497 pp. New York: Springer Verlag.