An in situ test to explore the responses of Scenedesmus acutus and Lepocinclis acus as indicators of the changes in water quality in lowland streams

BAUER DELIA ELENA; CONFORTI V.; RUIZ L.; GÓMEZ NORA

ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY

ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2012 p. 71 - 78

0147-6513

This bioassay was designed with the aim of exploring the responses of two wild planktonic microalgae exposed in situ (72 h) as indicators of the changes in water quality. Monocultures of both strains within dialysis membrane bags were placed at two sites in a small lowland stream. Site 1 is located at a suburban area with low horticultural activity and Site 2 is impacted by toxic industrial discharges and urban land use. There was a decrease in population growth of both species at Site 2 compared with Site 1. The comparison of the algae exposed in situ with the normal specimens cultured at the laboratory indicated a significant increase in the cellular volume for both species at both sites. Abnormal shape was recorded at both sites, being the percentage significantly greater for S. acutus at Site 2. Significant changes in pyrenoids size were observed in S. acutus and in the percentage of fragmented nuclei in L. acus. Also in the latter abnormal paramylon grains were observed. These responses were accentuated at Site 2. This bioassay was sensitive, short term, low cost, and therefore is a suitable tool to contribute with the monitoring and ecological risk assessment of lowland streams.