Effects of the heavy metals copper and zinc on zooxanthellae cells in culture

The growth of symbiotic algal cells (zooxanthellae) isolated from the coral, Montipora verrucosa under the influence of the heavy metals copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) was investigated. Zooxanthellae cells cultured in f/2 enriched seawater medium were subjected to a maximum Cu level of 42 mu g.l(-1), Zn concentration of 509 mu g.l(-1), and various combinations of the two metals, in ecotoxicological bioassays lasting up to 28 days. A Cu level of 40 mu g.l(-1) caused significantly depressed specific growth rates of cell cultures obtained using a standard growth model. Low concentrations of the metals Cu and Zn in combination elicited synergistic effects of sublethal toxicity. The use of cultured zooxanthellae cells in bioassays investigating sublethal effects of heavy metal stress has relevant applications in the field of pollution monitoring.