Influence of zinc and iron on population dynamics, morphology and fluorescent properties of <i>Prorocentrum foraminosum</i> (Dinophyta)

Abstract

Influence of heavy metals as zinc and iron with concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/L on dynamics of the cells abundance, morphology, fluorescence of chlorophyll a, and green autofluorescence is examined for the microalgae Prorocentrum foraminosum. The impact was measured on the 3rd and 7th days of the experiment. Both elements in concentration above the maximum permissible levels reduce the cells number, with the higher impact for Fe3+. However, Fe3+ caused no changes in structure of cells. The impact of Zn2+ caused the cells deformation and excretion of the cellular content. The chloroplast fluorescence became less intensive under influence of Fe3+, but the green autofluorescence had increased under presence of Zn2+ and Fe3+ in the medium.