Taurai Bere, Jose Galizia Tundisi

Diatom communities as indicators of ecological impairment in rivers

Conservation and water quality management

• Broschiertes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

Field and laboratory studies were conducted to elucidate the confounding effects of substrate selection, eutrophication, organic pollution, ionic strength, land-use patterns, and heavy metal pollution on benthic diatom communities. Characteristics of benthic diatom communities in relation to pollution level and type were analysed through general criteria and specific criteria. Diatom communities closely reflected the pollution gradient. Diatom-based multivariate water quality assessment results based on different substrates are interchangeable. 17 diatom-based water quality indices developed in other regions proved useful in providing an indication of water quality. Hormesis was demonstrated with a Cd EC50 of 0.077 mg.L-1 being recorded. High metal accumulation capacity by periphyton was demonstrated. Pb and Cr III were shown to decrease the toxicity effects of Cd on periphyton communities. The closer the frequency and duration of the pulse is to a continuous exposure, the greater the effects of the contaminant on aquatic life. Light has a role in modulating the effects of metal toxicants on aquatic life. Diatoms are important indicators of ecological impairment.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing
• Aufl.
• Seitenzahl: 228
• Erscheinungstermin: 10. Mai 2012
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 220mm x 150mm x 14mm
• Gewicht: 358g
• ISBN-13: 9783659121685
• ISBN-10: 3659121681
• Artikelnr.: 35700065

Autorenporträt

Prof Dr Taurai Bere holds a PhD in ecology and natural resources (UFScar, Brazil), MSc and BSc Hons in Biological sciences (UZ, Zimbabwe). Areas of expertise include river health assessment, biomonitoring, ecotoxicology and IWRM. He interested in climate change, ecological modeling, bio-remediation and technological applications of algae.