Responses of green algae and diatom upon exposure to chromium and cadmium

Abstract

Recently, an increase in the concentration of trace metals (e.g. chromium, zinc, copper) in bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs caused by anthropogenic activities has been a concern. Although trace metals (e.g. Cu, Ni, Zn) at low concentrations are essential to the life and growth of organisms, at critical concentrations these metals have been demonstrated to cause harmful effects on the ecosystem and human health [1, 2].