Reduction of the algicidal properties of copper and mercury ions by chitin and chitosan

Abstract

Chitin, obtained from the shell of the tail portions of the prawn Nephrops norvegicus (L), and chitosan prepared by deacetylation of the chitin, were added to growing cultures of Chlorella containing various quantities of toxic metals. It was found that while the presence of copper and mercury ions inhibited the growth of Chlorella, the presence of chitin or chitosan reduced the toxic effects of these metals when they were present in concentrations up to 10 mg dm^-3.