Do Nutrients Affect Ecotoxicological Responses of Aquatic Species? Preliminary Results on Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Phaeodactylum tricornutum

Monia Renzi, Cristiana Guer

Abstract

This study performs a preliminary evaluation on the effect of nutrient loads and toxicant exposure on cell growth of two unicellular aquatic species comparing results obtained by a well-standardized test on algal specie (Phaeodactylum tricornutum) and yeast, using a recent specie of ecotoxicological interest (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Results obtained suggest a significant effect due to nutrient loads on cells growth in both species affecting toxicity of the tested chemical. Furthermore, yeast responses are faster and comparable to results obtained on algae species