Pollution Research Paper


Vol.31, Issue 3, 2012

Page Number: 441-444

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ALTERATION IN CHLORELLA VULGARIS UNDER HEAVY METAL STRESS

SONIYA JOY AND M.R. MANJU

Abstract

Algae are the primary link in the aquatic food chain and as such any effect on them has ripple effects on subsequent members of the food chain or tropical level. They are bioindicators for the assessment of chemical risks to the environment. Chlorella vulgaris was able to accumulate Cadmium when exposed to low concentrations. But Cadmium at higher concentration, stopped the algal growth. Increasing concentration of Cadmium retards the biomass, net productivity, respiration, pigmentation and protein content of Chlorella vulgaris.