Studies on some cyanobacteria for the selection of bioindicators and bioscavengers of chromium metal ions for industrial waste waters

Abstract

Nostoc muscorum, Anabaena variabilis, Anabaena cylindrica and Anabaena torulosa were cultured in a Chu 10 medium containing chromium ions in the range 0.1 to 100 ppm. After 15 days the effect of chromium metal ions on the growth, chlorophyll content, dissolved oxygen content and the metal accumulation was studied. This showed that Anabaena torulosa was the most sensitive species hence a bioindicator, and Anabaena variabilis was the most resistant species hence a suitable bioscavenger of chromium metal ions from industrial wastewater.