COPPER TOLERANCE IN HASLEA-OSTREARIA ASSESSED BY MEASUREMENTS OF IN-VIVO ESTERASE-ACTIVITY

In vivo measurements of Haslea ostrearia esterase activity allowed to assess the effect of copper on metabolic activity. This method, when a pplied to the microplate reader, is effective to screen different cell stages and physiological conditions. Results showed that copper toxic ity varies according to the physiological stage of the microalgae and especially in relation with the presence of a blue-green pigment synth esised by the diatom. This compound responsible for the blue-green col our of oyster gills, may play art important role in copper bio-availab ility in oyster ponds. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reser ved.