Nickel effects on productivity of algal periphyton communities

Abstract

In order to evaluate the long-term (30-day) influence of nickel on biomass of periphyton communities, indoor artificial streams were used with differing nickel concentration (2.5, 5, and 7.5 mg/l). Physical and chemical factors (pH, NO3-N, PO4-P, dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, conductivity, total dissolved solids, biochemical oxygen demand, and chemical oxygen demand) were measured along with biological properties of the periphyton. The effects of nickel on periphyton communities were assessed by measuring dry mass, ash-free dry mass (AFDM), chlorophyll-a, and rate of nickel absorption. In artificial streams with nickel, there was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction of chlorophyll-a, AFDM, and dry mass under the influence of nickel. These observations suggest that the periphyton community could serve as an indicator of nickel pollution.