Toxic effect of copper and nickel on biomass and omega-3 content in Chroococcus sp. (Cyanobacteria)

Abstract

The current study included a statement effect of the toxicity of some heavy metals (Copper and Nickel) individually on the content of non-saturated fatty acids (Omega-3) in Micro-algae Chroococcus sp. (from blue green algae, Cyanobacteria), the content of these acids was determined after exposure to different concentrations (2, 4 and 8 ppm) of Copper(Cu+2) and Nickel (Ni+2) ions as for different periods of time. Results showed decreased growth rate (Biomass and Cell number) in alga both metals depending on the concentration and exposure period, the disappearance of omega-3 in the studied alga on (8) day at a concentration of (4) mg / l of Copper, and on (8) day at a concentration of (4) mg / l of Nickel.