Axenic culture studies with the marine phytoplankton Skeletonema costatum, Dunaliella tertiolecta, and Amphidinium carteri demonstrated the ability of these species to adapt to and exhibit normal growth in relatively high concentrations of pulpmill effluent. Skeletonema costatum and A. carteri required a preadaptation period prior to commencement of exponential growth in high concentrations of kraft effluent (20–30%), while D. tertiolecta exhibited exponential growth in 90% kraft effluent with no requirement for preadaptation. Of six pulpmill effluent types tested, kraft was considered most inhibitory to growth, while combined kraft and newsprint effluent passed through an XAD-8 resin column was least inhibitory. The effects of the six effluent types on lag, exponential, and stationary growth phases are discussed in relation to in situ concentrations and relative ecological significance in the coastal marine environment.
Effects of pH on coastal marine phytoplankton
