Effects of tributyl-tin on a marine microalga, Tetraselimis suecica.

Marine pollutants induce changes in microalgal metabolism. In this study effects of tributyl-tin chloride (TBTCl) on a marine microalga Tetraselmis suecica was studied. The changes induced by TBTCI on growth rate, viability and biochemicals were assessed. In acute exposure to TBTCl, EC50 estimated for 24 hr was 2.02 microg ml(-1), whereas total lethality was observed at 4 microg ml(-1). In chronic exposure to TBTCl, at higher concentrations (0.5-1 microg ml(-1)) growth rate, chlorophyll pigments, carbohydrate and protein contents were reduced. The results of this study indicate that TBTCl toxicity made drastic changes in growth and biochemical composition of T. suecica.