Toxic and accumulation effects of Cadmium and Lead on Microcystis aeruginosa in the growth medium

The present study illustrates the toxicity of some heavy metals ( Cadmium and lead ) individually or together in presence of plant nutrients ( nitrogen and phosphorus) in Beijerinck medium on the growth of blue green alga Microcystis aeruginosa using the biomass (total number) as indicator , as well as, its ability to metal accumulation . The effects of Cd or Pb on the alga growth were variable due to heavy metal nature, concentration and exposure time. Toxicity of both metals declined with increasing of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the medium. Presence of phosphorus in the growth medium did increase tbe accumulation of Cd and Pb in the growing algal biomass. Thus. M. aeruginosa may be use as biological clearing agent.