Trace metal toxicity to phytoplankton of Kuwait coastal waters

Trace metal concentrations in phytoplankton were determined in seven locati ons (Stations I-VII) of the Kuwait Coast, known for significant industrial and recreational activities. Trace metal concentrations in phytoplankton (2 0-200 mum size) occurred in the sequence of Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni at Stations I -III and VII, and Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb at Stations IV-VI. Station III showed h igher concentrations of all the analyzed metals than at other stations. Tox icity tests to phytoplankton revealed a significant decrease in the rate of oxygen with increasing concentrations of trace metals. Further, such compa risons to station wise observations between the rate of oxygen evolution an d trace metal levels revealed the nature of trace metal pollution in each s tation off the Kuwait coast.