Effects of phenanthrene on isochrysis galbana

Abstract

The effects of phenanthrene on Isochrysis galbana were carried out using batch culture and continuous culture techniques. The growth tests were conducted in enriched sea water at 28.0 ± 1.0 °C, pH of 8.1 ± 0.5, salinity 30 ± 2 ppt and under continuous light illumination of 45jLimol quanta/m2/s. For batch culture, growth was estimated by increase in cell number with time. Extent of growth inhibition was influenced by concentration of phenanthrene and duration of exposure. Phenanthrene concentration of 5 mg/1 and 7 mg/1 temporarily inhibited the growth of cells and lethal effect was observed for concentrations higher than 7 mg/1. The IC50 value (the concentration of phenanthrene that causes 50% inhibition in growth of Isochrysis galbana relative to control) determined by batch culture technique was 3.58 mg/1.