Toxicity and bioaccumulation of cadmium in Olisthodiscus luteus (Raphidophyceae)

The toxicity and uptake of cadmium has been studied using a culture of a marine phytoflagellate (Olisthodiscus luteus). The concentrations tested were 10, 50 and 500 mu g l(-1) of cadmium. Olisthodiscus luteus is able to bioaccumulate 0.57-56.42 fg cell(-1). The cadmium uptake is dependent on the time of exposure and on the internal concentration of the metal, the toxic effects resulting in a reduction of this process. Cadmium determines a decrease of the cellular volume, of the growth rate and of the levels of photosynthetic pigments. The species used shows a remarkable adaptation to cadmium.