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Algal growth response to particle‐bound orthophosphate and zinc
Author(s) -
Kuwabara James S.,
Davis James A.,
Chang Cecily C. Y.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
limnology and oceanography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.7
H-Index - 197
eISSN - 1939-5590
pISSN - 0024-3590
DOI - 10.4319/lo.1986.31.3.0503
Subject(s) - selenastrum , desorption , zinc , phosphate , chemistry , nutrient , phosphorus , environmental chemistry , artificial seawater , adsorption , algae , seawater , botany , biology , organic chemistry , ecology
Dissolved nutrient concentrations in natural waters may at times be controlled by interactions between particulate and solution phases. Effects of Zn [0–1 µ M total Zn(II)] and orthophosphate (8–12 µ M total P) additions on growth indices for the chlorophyte Selenastrum capricornutum Printz were examined in a synthetic growth medium containing 50 mg liter −1 colloidal titania. Over the Zn(II) concentration range used, detrimental growth and yield effects were observed. Addition of P to a synthetic growth medium (S‐3) increased stationary phase cell density, but had minimal effect on growth rate and duration of lag phase. Presence of TiO 2 particles in culture media significantly reduced Zn and P dissolved fractions. Although adsorbed Zn and P were less available to Selenastrum, desorption of both solutes increased their availability. Rapid desorption of Zn(II) from TiO 2 particles served in effect to buffer Zn 2+ free ion concentration, until Zn became partitioned primarily with the algal fraction as cell concentration approached stationary phase density. Although phosphate desorption from TiO 2 in nonbiological systems was negligible, Selenastrum was able to scavenge some P initially adsorbed onto TiO 2 . Accurate primary productivity predictions in nature may therefore require an understanding of equilibrium and reaction rates involved in the partitioning of nutrients and toxic substances between dissolved and particulate phases.