In vitro culture studies of environmental factors and the effects of copper on a fouling alga, Cladophora glomerata (L) Kützing, which occurs in South African freshwater systems

The filamentous green macroalga, Cladophora glomerata (L.) Kütz., is problematic as a fouling organism in eutrophic freshwater systems in South Africa. A general consensus among scientific researchers is that C. glomerata thrives under high light conditions, temperatures between 15° C and 25° C, high inorganic nutrient concentrations, alkaline waters and low heavy metal concentrations. Although extensive research on the biology of C. glomerata has been conducted in other regions of the world no scientific work has been done in South Africa in the past. At present the common strategies employed to control macroalgal blooms in South Africa are to apply a dosage of copper sulphate, preceded by sulphuric acid where waters are alkaline, manual removal and draining the canals. For the purpose of this thesis the influence of specific environmental factors on the growth of C. glomerata and the effectiveness of copper sulphate as an algicide were investigated in the laboratory.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Biological Sciences

Year dc:date.issued

1998

Author dc:creator

• Le Roux, Reneé Joy

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Bolton, John J

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/12689

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/12689