SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1985
STP36256S

Evaluation of Filamentous Algae as Biomonitors of Metal Accumulation in Softwater Lakes: A Multivariate Approach

Source

Algae from artificial substrates were collected from 36 softwater lakes in four geographic areas of central Canada. Determination of aluminum, manganese, cadmium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc were made on the algae, water, and sediment. Sediment nutrients, water pH, alkalinity, and conductivity were also measured.

One objective of the study was to evaluate algae as biomonitors of metals. Another was to determine the levels of metals in water and sediments as they related to other environmental variables. A multivariate approach was used to analyze the data statistically.

As pH decreased, metal concentration in water and algae increased. Sediment metals were unrelated to water pH, but were positively related to sediment organic level and algal metals. Sediment metals were approximately ×1000 the metal concentrations in water, whereas algal metals were 1000 to ×10 000 greater than water levels.

An evaluation is made of algae as biomonitors of acid-stressed lakes. Their role in metal cycling in aquatic systems is identified as an area for future research.

Author Information

Bailey, RC
University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Stokes, PM
University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Details
Developed by Committee: E47
Pages: 5–26
DOI: 10.1520/STP36256S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4922-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0410-5