Measurements of Mercury Sorption by Algae.
Abstract
The report describes the results of laboratory experiments concerning mercury sorption by two marine algae, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Chaetoceros galvestonesis. Measurements of mercury uptake have been made with the use of isotopes (carried-free 197Hg, and 203Hg incorporated in mg mercury/liter concentrations). Significant mercury concentrations were found in cells grown in media prepared from chemically pure reagents; concentrations of 14 to 116 mg/kg were present in cells harvested from 10% and 100% concentrations of culture medium. Phaeodactylum cells grown in a 10% culture medium in the presence of 0.05 mg mercury/liter contained 2400 mg mercury/kg but their growth was inhibited only 55% in a 4-day period. Chaetoceros cells had a greater affinity for mercury and contained over 7400 mg mercury/kg when cultured for the same time period in a 25% culture medium containing 0.10 mg mercury/liter. They had not grown, as determined by fluorescence analysis. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0774694
Entities
People
- C. Patouillet
- P. E. Wilkniss
- P. J. Hannan
- R. A. Carr
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory