Despite scarce studies have analyzed the relative growth inhibition of As (III) and As (V) to diatom, clear pattern of interspecies difference have been shown, identifying cell size as a key property determining the sensitivity of diatom to As. Evidence from cultures suggests that cell size is a key factor in determining the extent of arsenic (III) & (V) stress of diatom, with relatively lesser effects of As (V) than As (III) on small cells. Cent percent growth inhibition was observed for large size group (Coscinodiscus radiatus, Surirella, Amphipleura, Thalassiothrix, Cyclotella and Thalassiosira decipiens) relative to smaller size group (Skeletonema cf. costatum, Navicula rhombica, Amphora hyaline, Nitzschia longissima except Thalassisira. Interspecies differences in As tolerance by diatom in the mangrove ecosystem indicates cell size could be only one factor contributing to these differences. The results show that 81.7% of total arsenic was uptaken from culture media originally amended with arsenic. Looking to the extreme tolerance and arsenic removal efficiency, application of the species with smaller cell size relative to the other tested diatom for bioremediation purpose can be envisaged.
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