An Algal Assay Technique for Aquatic Toxicants

A technique was developed for algal toxicity assays. Algal communities obtained from several sewage treatment plants and surface waters were the test specimens. The toxicant used was zinc acetate The techniques that were developed are relatively simple, rapid, and precise. Algal responses to toxicants were measured by changes in oxygen production, and two types of responses were observed. The variations in response are caused primarily by the degree of prior acclimation of the algae to the toxicant. Reference: Wang, Wuncheng. An Algal Assay Technique for Aquatic Toxicants. Illinois State Water Survey, Champaign, Report of Investigation 101, 1982. Indexing Terms: Algae, algal assay, algal toxicity, methodology, oxygen production, zinc. STATE OF ILLINOIS HON. JAMES R. THOMPSON, Governor DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MICHAEL B. WITTE, B.A.. Director BOARD OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION Michael B. Witte, B.A., Chairman Walter E. Hanson, M.S., Engineering Laurence L. Sloss, Ph.D., Geology H. S. Gutowsky, Ph.D., Chemistry Lorin I. Nevling, Ph.D., Forestry Robert L. Metcalf, Ph.D., Biology Daniel C. Drucker, Ph.D. University of Illinois John C. Guyon, Ph.D. Southern Illinois University STATE WATER SURVEY DIVISION STANLEY A. CHANGNON, JR., M.S., Chief