Sulphate toxicity to the aquatic moss, Fontinalis antipyretica.
The aquatic moss, Fontinalis antipyretica was exposed to elevated sulphate concentrations for 21-days. Gametophores were sectioned to 2 cm lengths and exposed to sulphate concentrations up to 1500 mg/l, in waters of different water hardness. Significant reductions in shoot length, dry weight, and chlorophyll a and b concentrations (per gram dry weight) were observed in soft water (19 mg/l as CaCO3); however, effects were significantly reduced in waters of increasing hardness (up to 105 mg/l as CaCO3). The substantial reduction of sulphate toxicity in waters of increasing hardness suggests water chemistry plays a significant role in affecting sulphate toxicity and should be considered when setting sulphate discharge limits.
Davies
Trevor D
TD
Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, #436E - 2206 East Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3. tdavies@mathstat.dal.ca
D018533:Biomass; D019068:Bryopsida / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D002734:Chlorophyll / Q000378:metabolism; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D018520:Plant Shoots / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D013431:Sulfates / Q000633:toxicity*
D013431:Sulfates; D002734:Chlorophyll