Journal of Environmental Biology

Effects of tributyl-tin on a marine microalga, Tetraselimis suecica

Yong Hoon Yoo, M. Sidharthan and H.W. Shin*

*hwshin@sch.ac.kr

Department of Marine Biotechnology, Soonchunhyang University, Asan City - 336 745, South Korea

(Received: September 7, 2005 ; Revised received: June 20, 2006 ; Accepted: August 20, 2006)

Abstract: Marine pollutants induce changes in microalgal metabolism. In this study effects of tributyl-tin chloride (TBTCl) on a marine microalga Tetraselmis suecica was studied. The changes induced by TBTCl on growth rate, viability and biochemicals were assessed. In acute exposure to TBTCl, EC₅₀ estimated for 24 hr was 2.02 µg ml^-1, whereas total lethality was observed at 4 µg ml^-1. In chronic exposure to TBTCl, at higher concentrations (0.5-1 µg ml^-1) growth rate, chlorophyll pigments, carbohydrate and protein contents were reduced. The results of this study indicate that TBTCl toxicity made drastic changes in growth and biochemical composition of T. suecica.

Key words:   TBT toxicity, Growth performance, Biochemical composition, Tetraselmis suecica

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