Effects of Halogenated Hydrocarbon on Aquatic Organisms.

This is report summarizes the final report of the subcontract, AFOSR F49620-91-C-0063 entitles Effect of Halogenated Hydrocarbons on aquatic organisms. This research dealt with several experiments evaluating the sorption of halogenated hydrocarbons by different algae species. Three groups of algae species were tested. The sorption experiments were conducted under various conditions. With respect to changes in the growth medium composition, it was shown in this work that the silicon or nitrogen deficient medium in case of diatoms, or nitrogen or phosphate deficient medium in case of green algae or cyanobacterium could induce the higher sorption of halogenated hydrocarbons. Diatoms show better sorption than the other two groups. Low temperature had a positive influence on the sorption of halogenated hydrocarbons. In conclusion, when evaluating the sorption of halogenated hydrocarbons by algae various algal species, incubation temperature as well as growth medium composition should be considered.