Microalgae (Selenastrum Capricornutum) Growth Inhibition Following Exposure to Pond Water: Monitoring Pond Toxicity

Victor Eshu Okpashi*

Department of Biochemistry, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria

Corresponding Author E-mail: Vic2reshu@gmail.com

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/3074

ABSTRACT: Bio-indicators are organisms, that can be used to determine the state of health and biogeographic changes in the environment. Microalgae,  are also used as bioindicators to assess the health of natural ecosystems such as pond water and  are utilized to evaluate the media in which a biological system operates, as well as the molecules within it. They serve as a symbol of the high quality of their surroundings. Microalgae respond quickly to changes in the environment, making them an excellent biomarker for evaluating the quality of ponds and water pollutants. This work was designed to monitor the onset of pond water toxicity using Selanastrum capricornutum. During the present study, fish were grown in a pond, with old water being replaced every five days or more. The hazardous metabolites in the pond water were examined for the beginning or build-up of harmful metabolites. The Algaltoxkit approach was used for five days. Selanastrum capricornutum, a microalga, was grown as a bio-indicator of pond toxicity. The pond water was collected without dilution from day one to 5^th day. The microalgae test was conducted for 72 hours, with minor deviations from ISO guideline 8692. Microalgae growth inhibition varied among the days monitored, according to the results, findings imply that pond water poisoning begins on 2^nd  to 5^th day. Findings shows that hazardous compounds in the pond water at  5^th day may be affecting the fish's ability to grow and develop normally. The Algaltoxkit kit could also be a useful, quick test instrument for detecting the beginning of hazardous metabolites in a fish pond.

KEYWORDS: Algae Growth-Inhibition; Bioindicator; Catfish; Pond-water; toxicity

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