The effect of lead,cadmium, and mercury on the increase in length of five intertidal fucales

The increase in length of Pelvetia canaliculata (L.) Dec. et Thur., Fucus spiralis L., F. vesiculosus L., F. serratus L., and Ascophyllym nodosum (L.) Le Jolis was measured in various concentrations of lead, cadmium, and mercury during a period of 9–10 days. Concentration ranges of the three metals were 45 2600 μg 1, 1.5 1040 μg 1 and 0.9 1250 μg 1, respectively.Significant reductions of growth rate compared with the controls were observed at ? 810 μg 1 of lead, ? 450 μg/l of cadmium, and ? 10 μg/l of mercury, and regressions of growth reduction on log concentration were indicated.Growth was significantly enhanced in Pelvetia canaliculata and Ascophyllum nodosum when exposed to cadmium, and in this case there was a significant regression of growth iincrease on log concentration. The growth of Pelvetia canaliculata was also enhanced at all concentrations of lead.