A simple monitoring technique to determine the heavy metal load of algae in aquatic ecosystems

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Abstract
The monitoring system introduced in this study is suited for the determination of the potential heavy metal load of primary producers (algae) in aquatic ecosystems. It works as follows: Standardized, uncontaminated algae grown in laboratory culture are exposed in specially developed monitoring chambers in the water body to be examined. The accumulation rate and degree are determined. First results obtained for the Elbe are presented in this study, and the feasability of this technique as a “biomonitoring system”; for heavy metal contamination is discussed.