ABSTRACT
Ecotoxicology is an interdisciplinary science in studying the impacts of toxic chemicals on biological organisms at different levels, for example, population, community, and ecosystem, and the environment, in general. Here, we describe a protocol to measure the potential for a heavy metal (e.g., copper) to affect the microscopic and cryptic early life history stages of macroalgae. We recommend reporting the half maximal effective concentration EC50, that is, the concentration of heavy metals at which 50% of the physiological or metabolic functions (e.g., survival/mortality, germination, growth, and photosynthetic rates, among others) of the organism is inhibited. To be able to compare results of different studies, it is essential to report the duration and frequency (e.g., one-time or chronic exposure) of experimental exposure, and the nominal and the dissolved heavy metal concentrations. The use of proper labware and trace metal clean procedures to reduce experimental contamination are imperative.
Keywords: Effective concentration, EC50, gametophytes, germination, metals, meiospores, pollution
