Effect of metal ions on accumulation of arsenic in marine green algae, Dunaliella sp.

To investigate the effect of metal ions such as cobalt(II), copper(II), molybdenum(VI) and manganese(II) on the accumulation of arsenic in Dunaliella sp., the amount of arsenic accumulated in these algae was determined under coexistence of arsenic and the other metals by the hydridegeneration atomic absorption spectrometry method. Survival of Dunaliella sp. was inhibited by the addition of copper and cobalt in a solution containing arsenic. Copper and cobalt in the medium also inhibited the accumulation of arsenic in Dunaliella sp., and the amount of arsenic in the algae decreased with increase in the concentration of copper and cobalt. On the other hand, the amount of arsenic accumulated in Dunaliella sp. was found to be unaffected by manganese and molybdenum in the solution.