COPPER TOXICITY IN THE FRESH WATER CYANOBACTERIUM NOSTOC LINCKIA

Abstract

The effect of copper (CuCl₂•2H₂O) on growth, heterocyst frequency, acetylene reduction, H₂ production and photosynthetic O₂ evolution of Nostoc linckia was studied. Whereas copper inhibited growth and other physiological processes, it increased heterocyst frequency and H₂ production. We conclude that copper pollution could considerably alter nitrogen dynamics in fresh water systems.