Effects of Short‐term and Long‐term Aluminium Stress on Photosynthesis,Respiration, and Reproductive Capacity in a Unicellular Green Flagellate (Euglena gracilis)

Effects of short‐term (1 h exposure) and long‐term (7 d exposure) aluminium stress on photosynthesis and reproductive capacity have been studied in Euglena gracilis strain Z. Following concentrations of Al_tot (added as AlCl₃) were tested: 0.5 mg L^‐1, 1.0 mg L^‐1, 1.5 mg L^‐1, 2.5 mg L^‐1, 5.0 mg L^‐1, 7.5 mg L^‐1, 10.0 mg L^‐1, and 15.0 mg L^‐1 Al, respectively. Growth rates at different aluminium concentrations did not show significant differences, except at 15.0 mg L^‐1Al. Initial respiration was higher in long‐term than in the short‐term experiments. It is supposed that an energy‐dependent mechanism of excretion of aluminium ions has been active in the stressed cells. Consequently, the cells of E. gracilis after long‐term exposure to aluminium are believed to be more acclimatised to the aluminium stress. Photosynthetic efficiency (PE) has been negatively affected by aluminium in all experiments performed. Differences between control algae and those treated with aluminium were significant in all cases. PE in long‐term experiments was in general significantly higher at all concentrations of aluminium studied, compared to the short‐term experiments. The aluminium concentrations tested led only to a general decrease in PE while the level of decrease was not especially concentration‐dependent. In general, aluminium tolerance of E. gracilis can be estimated as low, especially by short‐term exposure. However, good acclimatisation capacity of this green flagellate to aluminium doses by long‐term exposure can be supposed.     

Studies on the Acute Toxicity of Zinc to a Freshwater Teleost: Channa punctatus (Bloch)

Static bioassay tests were carried out on Channa punctatus Bloch in the laboratory after renewal of concentrations every 24 h. The LC₅₀ values and 95 per cent confidence limits were 45.21 (39.62 … 51.11) ppm at 12 h and 29.8 (27.49 … 31.95) ppm of Zn at 96 h of exposure. The actual dissolution values of zinc were also determined in test solutions using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Behavioural changes were the higher rate of opercular movements, surfacing, loss of equilibrium and haemorrhage near mouth and caudal fin. The LT₅₀ values indicate that survival was increased with decreasing Zn concentration. The histopathological changes observed due to Zn toxicity in the gills have been discussed in relation to fish mortality.     

Regeneration and Reuse of a Seaweed‐Based Biosorbent in Single and Multi‐Metal Systems

A seaweed‐waste material resulting from the processing of Ascophyllum nodosum was previously shown to be very efficient at removing Zn(II), Ni(II) and Al(III) both in single and multi‐metal waste streams. In this study, the regeneration of the biosorbent using an acid wash resulted in the release of high metal concentrations during multiple desorption cycles. Maximum desorption efficiencies (DE) of 183, 122 and 91% were achieved for Zn(II), Ni(II) and Al(III), respectively, for subsequent metal loading cycles, significantly exceeding the desorption rates observed for conventional sorbents. The regeneration of the sorbent was accomplished with very little loss in metal removal efficiency (RE) for both single and multi‐metal systems. Values of 92, 96 and 94% RE were achieved for Zn(II), Ni(II) and Al(III), respectively, for the 5^th sorption cycle in single metal aqueous solutions. A slight decrease was observed for the same metals in multi‐metal systems with maximum REs of 85, 82 and 82% for Zn(II), Ni(II) and Al(III), respectively. This study showed that the novel sorbent derived from a seaweed industrial waste would be suitable for multiple metal sorption cycles without any significant loss in RE.     

Kinetics,Mechanistic and Thermodynamics of Zn(II) Ion Sorption: A Modeling Approach

Biosorption potential of Cedrus deodara sawdust (CDS) in terms of sorption of Zn(II) ion across liquid phase has been evaluated in the present investigation. The surface of the CDS biomass before the sorption of Zn(II) ions seemed to be more porous, non‐crystalline and heterogeneous. The maximum uptake capacity of CDS was 97.39 mg g^?1. Sorption of Zn(II) ion on the surface of CDS sawdust was maximum at pH 5, temperature 45°C, initial concentration of Zn(II) ion 100 mg L^?1, biomass dose 1 g L^?1, contact time 150 min, and agitation rate 160 rpm. Pseudo second‐order kinetics with the highest linear regression coefficient (R² = 0.99), and lowest values of error functions, i.e., chi (χ²) and sum of square errors (SSE) against pseudo first‐order rate kinetics showed that the sorption of Zn(II) ion on the surface of CDS was mediated by chemosoprtive forces of attraction rather than physical adsorption. Mechanistically, relatively higher proportion of sorption of Zn(II) ion in early phase of contact time was profoundly explained by Bangham's equation and film diffusivity (D^f). Intraparticle or pore diffusion (D_p) of Zn(II) ion inside the pores of CDS was rate limiting step at the later stage of contact time. Furthermore, the thermodynamic study on sorption of metal ion delineated the fact that the Zn(II) sorption on the surface of CDS was spontaneous, endothermic together with increased entropy at solid liquid interface.     

Auswirkung von Schwermetallgemischen auf die biologische Behandlung naphthalinsulfonsäurehaltiger Abwässer

Effect of Mixtures of Heavy Metals on the Biological Treatment of Sewages Containing Naphthalenesulfonic Acid Biological wastewater treatment processes can be destabilized considerably by heavy metals. In this investigation, the effect of loadings of heavy metals on the degradation of naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid (2NS) by immobilized bacteria in continuously operated airlift-loop reactors was studied. Shock loadings with mixtures of cadmium and nickel, or cadmium and zinc, respectively, resulted in increases in inhibition compared to those observed with the single metals. In contrast, the 2NS-degradation was less inhibited by shock loadings with mixtures of nickel and zinc than by the single metal ions. Repeated shock loadings up to 100 mg L^?1 nickel and 1000 mg L^?1 zinc effected an adaptation of the microorganisms. Continuous loadings with up to 10 mg L^?1 cadmium and nickel each, or with 50 mg L^?1 nickel and 210 mg L^?1 zinc, respectively, did not inhibit the degradation of 2NS. The permanent loadings led to an adaptation of the bacteria with an increased biosynthesis of proteins from 0.2 to 0.5 g g^?1 cell dry weight. However, if the immobilized cells were incubated with mixtures of cadmium and nickel, the specific polysaccharide content decreased to less than 0.2 g g^?1 cell dry weight, resulting in a detachment of the biofilms.     

“Man and the Biosphere”-Studies on Sikkim Himalayas. Part 1: Acute Toxicity of Copper and Zinc to Common Carp Cyprinus carpio (Linn.) in Soft Water

In the daily exchange of the medium with only 7.1 mg/l Ca²⁺ and 0.7 mg/l Mg²⁺ during the batch experiment the LC_50,96h for Cyprinus carpio is 0.063 mg/l Cu²⁺ and 3.12 mg/l Zn²⁺ at water temperatures of 11 to 14°C. Significant differences in mortality as referred to the LC_50,12h occur for copper only after 72 h of exposure and for zinc after 48 h of exposure. The values of LC_50,96h are clearly lower for both metals in the investigations described than most data given in literature for different fish species.     

A new Eocene catostomid (Teleostei: Cypriniformes) from northeastern China and early divergence of Catostomidae

A new Eocene catostomid genus and species, Plesiomyxocyprinus arratiae, is described from Huadian, Jilin Province, northeastern China. The materials include a nearly complete skeleton, dozens of pharyngeal bones with teeth, and a number of disarticulated bones. The new articulated specimen is large-sized and deep-bodied, with an estimated standard length of ca. 300 mm and body depth of 156 mm or about half of its standard length. The assignment of the fish to the Catostomidae is based on its falciform pharyngeal bone with one row of numerous (more than 50) compressed teeth, and the bone is much smaller than in cyprinids, especially given the size of the fish. The new fish distinguishes itself from all known catostomids (both extinct and extant) in its long anal fin with four unbranched and 17–18 branched rays, and its extremely short caudal peduncle that is only about one fourth of its depth. Plesiomyxocyprinus arratiae resembles the Eocene-Oligocene transpacific-distributed Amyzon in many general skeletal characters. However, it shows a few characters uniquely shared with the Recent catostomid Myxocyprinus asiaticus. Those include a very long dorsal fin with about 50 branched fin rays, the end of dorsal fin rays being close to the caudal fin base, and anal rays stretching posteriorly beyond the base of caudal fin. It is the first fossil catostomid that shows a close relationship to the endemic Myxocyprinus now living in the Yangtze River and Minjiang River, China. The discovery of Plesiomyxocyprinus arratiae, along with two previously described possible catostomid genera Jianghanichthys and Vasnetzovia, may indicate that the divergence of the Catostomidae started much earlier, in the middle Eocene or earlier, on the western side of the Pacific than on its eastern side. Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 40432003, J0630965), Cypriniformes Tree of Life under the U.S. National Science Foundation to R. Mayden (Grant No. EF0431326), and Ecocarp Project (European Commission, INCO-DEV Programme) (Grant No. ICA4-CT-2001- 10024)     

Transformation of Tobacco with ScMTII Gene‐Enhanced Cadmium and Zinc Accumulation

Genetic transformation is gaining importance for developing plant types suitable to metal accumulate and/or hyperaccumulate. In this study, the transgenic tobacco plant which transferred the ScMTII gene from Saccharomyces cerevisiae to wild type tobacco cultivar Petite Havana (SR1) was grown on soils with low and high cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) concentrations in a growth chamber for 6 weeks and compared to wild type tobacco for Cd and Zn accumulation. Cadmium and Zn accumulations in the transgenic and wild type tobacco plants were increased with the increasing Cd and Zn concentrations. Unlike Zn, the transgenic plant accumulated significantly higher amount of Cd compared to the wild type control plants. Shoot Cd concentrations of transgenic tobacco in higher Cd dosages reached the above the hyperaccumulation threshold value of 100 mg Cd kg^?1 in the dry weight (DW). Transgenic tobacco accumulated 354, 400, 372, and 457 mg Cd kg^?1 DW, for 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg Cd kg^?1 soil treatments, respectively. These values are 3.5–4.5‐fold higher than that of Cd hyperaccumulation threshold value. With 10 mg kg^?1 Cd treatment, the bioconcentration factor (BCF) of transgenic tobacco plants for Cd reached up to 35 in which the threshold value for BCF should be at least 10. Our results showed that the transgenic tobacco may be used as a good Cd hyperaccumulator plant and for phytoextraction of Cd contaminated soils, but not for Zn.     

Inhibition Concentration of Phenolic Substances under Different Cultivation Conditions. Part I: Phenol Oxidation by Mixed Microbial Population in a Model System

The effects of oxygen supply rate and the presence or absence of nutrients on the kinetics of phenol degradation and oxygen consumption by a mixed microbial population were tested in a model system. The values for the maximum specific rate of phenol degradation (q_Smax), the saturation constant (K_S), and the inhibition concentration (S_CR) were determined for unlimited growth (K_La = 340 h^?1, growth medium) with 1.7 mmol g^?1 h^?1, 65 mg L^?1, and 190 mg L^?1. Under limitation conditions, alterations occur depending on the type of limitation. Nutrient limitations lead to values of 0.8 mmol g^?1 h^?1, 45 mg L^?1, and 160 mg L^?1, and oxygen limitations lead to 1.2 mmol g^?1 h^?1. 30 mg L^?1, and 120 mg L^?1, respectively. The results suggest that with excess oxygen, the rate of phenol degradation was higher and the inhibition effect of phenol was suppressed to some extent. Under the same high oxygen supply rate, the presence of nutrients in the model water significantly supported the phenol degradation rate.     

Toxic Cyanobacteria in Greek Freshwaters, 1987—2000: Occurrence,Toxicity, and Impacts in the Mediterranean Region

In a survey in Greece from 1987 to 2000 hepatotoxic cyanobacterial blooms were observed in 9 out of 33 freshwaters. Microcystins (MCYSTs) were detected by HPLC in 7 of these lakes, and the total MCYST concentration per scum dry weight ranged from 50.3 to 1638 ± 464 μg g^—1. Cyanobacterial genera (Microcystis, Anabaena, Anabaenopsis, Aphanizomenon, Cylindrospermopsis) with known toxin producing taxa were present in 31 freshwaters. From our data and a review of the literature, it would appear that Mediterranean countries are more likely 1) to have toxic cyanobacterial blooms consisting of Microcystis spp. and 2) to have higher intracellular MCYST concentrations. A case study in Lake Kastoria is used to highlight seasonal patterns of cyanobacterial and MCYST‐LR occurrence and to assess cyanotoxin risk. Cyanobacterial biovolume was high (> 11 μL L^—1) throughout the year and was in excess of Guidance Level 2 (10 μL L^—1) proposed by WHO for recreational waters and Alert Level 2 for drinking water. Further, surface water samples from April to November exceeded Guidance Level 3, with the potential for acute cyanobacterial poisoning. Intracellular MCYST‐LR concentrations (max 3186 μg L^—1) exceeded the WHO guideline for drinking water (1 μg L^—1) from September to November with a high risk of adverse health effects. Preliminary evidence indicates that in 3 lakes microcystins are accumulated in some aquatic organisms. Generally, a high risk level can be deduced from the data for the Mediterranean region.     

Effects of heavy metals on the survival and feeding behaviour of the sandy shore scavenging gastropod Nassarius festivus (Powys)

The effects of Cu, Cd, Zn and Cr on the survival and feeding behaviour of the sandy shore scavenging gastropod Nassarius festivus were compared. The 96-h LC₅₀ for Cu, Cd, Zn and Cr were 0.36, 1.52, 1.76 and 36.9 mg l⁻¹, respectively. Four sublethal concentrations of each metal plus a control were prepared and the snails were exposed to experimental solutions for 96 h. Feeding behaviour was studied after the snails were starved for five days. As compared with the control, the number of individuals feeding was significantly reduced by exposure to 0.05 mg l⁻¹ Cu, 0.2 mg l⁻¹ Zn, 0.5 mg l⁻¹ Cd and 5 mg l⁻¹ Cr. The time spent feeding was greater for individuals exposed to greater concentrations of Zn and Cd but no effect was found for Cu and Cr. Chemoreception of food was studied by placing the snails at a fixed distance of 15 cm from the bait. The success rate of reaching the bait was less for individuals exposed to Cr but no effect was found for Zn, Cu or Cd. The time required for an individual to reach the bait decreased as the concentration of Zn increased. In contrast, a longer time was required for individuals exposed to Cr whereas the effect of Cd and Cu was insignificant. The potential of using feeding behaviour and chemoreception in contaminant evaluations is discussed.     

Occurrence of an Algal Mass Development in an Acidic (pH 2.5):, Iron and Aluminium‐rich Coal Mining Pond

A bloom of Chlamydomonas botryopara was observed in an extremely acid coal mining pond (pH 2.5) with high concentrations of iron and aluminium (1160...3760 mg L^–1 Fe, 133...387 mg L^–1 Al). Cell density of algae was counted as 6.45 · 10⁶ mL^–1 corresponding to 700 mg L^–1 fresh weight and 2660 μg L^–1 chlorophyll‐a. The nutrient concentrations were 3.5 mg L^–1 soluble reactive phosphorus and 0.15 mg L^–1 dissolved inorganic nitrogen. This observation supports the hypothesis that a low nutrient availability rather than extreme conditions (e.g. high acidity and low pH) limit the development of phytoplankton in many acidified lakes.     

Biodegradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons by Pseudomonas putida Strain MHF 7109

Pseudomonas putida MHF 7109 has been isolated and identified from cow dung microbial consortium for biodegradation of selected petroleum hydrocarbon compounds – benzene, toluene, and o‐xylene (BTX). Each compound was applied separately at concentrations of 50, 100, 250, and 500 mg L^?1 in minimal salt medium to evaluate degradation activity of the identified microbial strain. The results indicated that the strain used has high potential to degrade BTX at a concentration of 50 mg L^?1 within a period of 48, 96, and 168 h, respectively; whereas the concentration of 100 mg L^?1 of benzene and toluene was found to be completely degraded within 120 and 168 h, respectively. Sixty‐two percent of o‐xylene were degraded within 168 h at the 100 mg L^?1 concentration level. The maximum degradation rates for BTX were 1.35, 1.04, and 0.51 mg L^?1 h^?1, respectively. At higher concentrations (250 and 500 mg L^?1) BTX inhibited the activity of microorganisms. The mass spectrometry analysis identified the intermediates as catechol, 2‐hydroxymuconic semialdehyde, 3‐methylcatechol, cis‐2‐hydroxypenta‐2,4‐dienoate, 2‐methylbenzyl alcohol, and 1,2‐dihydroxy‐6‐methylcyclohexa‐3,5‐dienecarboxylate, for BTX, respectively. P. putida MHF 7109 has been found to have high potential for biodegradation of volatile petroleum hydrocarbons.     

Removal of Copper,Nickel, and Zinc Ions from Electroplating Rinse Water

Removal of copper, nickel, and zinc ions from synthetic electroplating rinse water was investigated using cationic exchange resin (Ceralite IR 120). Batch ion exchange studies were carried out to optimize the various experimental parameters (such as contact time, pH, and dosage). Influence of co‐existing cations, chelating agent EDTA on the removal of metal ion of interest was also studied. Sorption isotherm data obtained at different experimental conditions were fitted with Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich–Peterson, and Toth models. A maximum adsorption capacity of 164 mg g^?1 for Cu(II), 109 mg g^?1 for Ni(II), and 105 mg g^?1 for Zn(II) was observed at optimum experimental conditions according to Langmuir model. The kinetic data for metal ions adsorption process follows pseudo second‐order. Presence of EDTA and co‐ions markedly alters the metal ion removal. Continuous column ion exchange experiments were also conducted. The breakeven point of the column was obtained after recovering effectively several liters of rinse water. The treated rinse water could be recycled in rinsing operations. The Thomas and Adams–Bohart models were applied to column studies and the constants were evaluated. Desorption of the adsorbed metal ions from the resin column was studied by conducting a model experiments with Cu(II) ions loaded ion exchange resin column using sulfuric acid as eluant. A novel lead oxide coated Ti substrate dimensionally stable (DSA) anode was prepared for recovery of copper ions as metal foil from regenerated liquor by electro winning at different current densities (50–300 A cm^?2).     

Towards a more ecologically relevant assessment of the impact of heavy metals on the photosynthesis of the seagrass, Zostera capricorni

This in situ study used photosynthetic activity (measured as chlorophyll a fluorescence) and photosynthetic pigment concentrations to assess the effect of copper, cadmium, lead and zinc on the seagrass Zostera capricorni. Custom-made portable in situ exposure (PIE) chambers were developed so seagrasses could be dosed within the meadow. Z. capricorni was exposed to 0.1 and 1 mg l⁻¹ of metal solutions for 10 h. During this time and for the subsequent four-day recovery period, the effective quantum yield of photosystem II (PS II) (ΔF/Fm^′) was measured. While the results were variable, copper and zinc exposed samples had a depressed ΔF/Fm^′ during the exposure period. Samples exposed to zinc recovered to pre-exposure levels but those exposed to copper did not. Cadmium and lead did not impact on the chlorophyll a fluorescence and the chlorophyll pigment data supported these findings. This study presents an innovative new application of chlorophyll a fluorescence stress assessment.     

Effect of Zinc,Copper and Mercury on Channa marulius (HAMILTON)

Static bioassay acute toxicity tests of Zinc, Copper and Mercury were conducted to determine the median lethal concentrations (LC₅₀s) of a freshwater teleost Channa marulius (HAM .) The 96 h LC₅₀ and 95% confidence limits for Zn²⁺ were 25.61 (24.13 … 27.12) mg/l; 0.90 (0.80 … 1.038) mg/l; for Cu²⁺ and 0.314 (0.257 … 0.371) mg/l for Hg²⁺. However, these values decreased at 240 h of exposure and were: 21.09 (18.29 … 24.60) mg Zn²⁺/l; 0.66 (0.568 … 0.841) mg Cu²⁺/l; and 0.131 (0.103 … 0.158) mg Hg²⁺/l. The relative potency ratio of Zn/Hg, Zn/Cu and Cu/Hg suggests that fish were most sensitive to Hg, followed by Cu and Zn ions. The acute toxicities of mixtures of Zn²⁺?Cu²⁺; Zn²⁺?Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺?Hg²⁺ and Zn²⁺?Cu²⁺?Hg²⁺ up to 48 h of exposure were also investigated. The additive index and ranges for Zn²⁺?Cu²⁺ were ?0.241 (-0.577 … 0.054); 0.056 (-0.269 … 0.475) for Zn-Hg; 0.285 (-0.043 … 0.718) for Cu-Hg; and -0.542 (-1.215 … 0.005) for Zn-Cu-Hg. All the mixtures tested showed a greater than additive toxicity because index ranges overlapped zero.     

Bioreduction of Hexavalent Chromium by Live and Active Phanerochaete chrysosporium: Kinetics and Modeling

In this work the potential of live and active Phanerochaete chryosporium, a white rot fungi, to remove lower Cr(VI) concentration from aqueous solutions was reported for the first time. A medium pH had significant effect on the growth of the fungus and bioremoval of Cr(VI). Substrate inhibition on the growth of Phanerochaete chrysosporium was evident beyond 20 g L^?1 of dextrose concentration. A maximum biomass concentration of 15.64 g L^?1 was obtained for an initial dextrose concentration of 20 g L^?1 in metal free medium at pH 6.0. An increase in Cr(VI) concentration beyond 10 mg L^?1 inhibited the growth of the fungi, thereby, reducing the chromium bioremoval efficiency. A maximum reduction efficiency of 98.92% was reported for an initial metal concentration of 10 mg L^?1. A mathematical expression for the bioreduction of Cr(VI) considering the organic compounds in the cells was proposed.     

Trace Metal Concentrations in Shallow Ground Water

Trace metal clean sampling and analysis techniques were used to examine the temporal patterns of Hg, Cu, and Zn concentrations in shallow ground water, and the relationships between metal concentrations in ground water and in a hydrologically connected river. Hg, Cu, and Zn concentrations in ground water ranged from 0.07 to 4.6 ng L⁻¹, 0.07 to 3.10 μg L⁻¹, and 0.17 to 2.18 μg L⁻¹, respectively. There was no apparent seasonal pattern in any of the metal concentrations. Filtrable Hg, Cu, and Zn concentrations in the North Branch of the Milwaukee River ranged from below the detection limit to 2.65 ng Hg L⁻¹,0.51 to 4.30 μg Cu L⁻¹, and 0.34 to 2.33 μg Zn L⁻¹. Thus, metal concentrations in ground water were sufficiently high to account for a substantial fraction of the filtrable trace metal concentration in the river. Metal concentrations in the soil ranged from 8 to 86 ng Hg g⁻¹, 10 to 39 μg Cu g⁻¹, and 15 to 84 μg Zn g⁻¹. Distribution coefficients, K_D, in the aquifer were 7900,22,000, and 23,000 L kg⁻¹ for Hg, Cu, and Zn, respectively. These values were three to 40 times smaller than K_D values observed in the Milwaukee River for suspended particulate matter.     

水丰水库亚洲公鱼和大银鱼种群生态的比较研究

1998年 10月至 2 0 0 0年 11月对水丰水库亚洲公鱼和大银鱼的食性、生长、繁殖、群体结构进行了比较研究 .亚洲公鱼为杂食性鱼类但主要以浮游动物为食 ,繁殖时还摄食同类卵 ,出现频率达 4 2 .9% ,在冬季也摄食大银鱼卵 (2 .8% ) ;体长 (L)、体重 (W)呈异速生长 (W =1.176×10 - 6 L3.5555) ;群体繁殖速度比 1984年以前提高了 4 9.2 % ;群体结构中体长、体重的离散度很小 .大银鱼前期主要以浮游动物为食 ,后期以小鱼小虾为主要食物 ,也捕食公鱼 ,出现频率 6 .9% -9 6 % ;体长、体重呈等速生长 ,W =4 .4 82× 10 - 6 L3.0 0 0 9;群体繁殖速度高出公鱼 1.18倍 ;群体结构中体长、体重的离散度较大 ,表现出了个体间的差异性     

Variability of phytoplankton biomass in a lowland river: Response to climate conditions

The results are presented of an intensive study of phytoplankton assemblage carried out in the Berounka River above its confluence with the Vltava River (Czech Republic) in the period 2002–2007. The annual and interannual changes of phytoplankton development (based on high frequency of sampling) and their relation to hydrological conditions and concentrations of main nutrients are analysed. A marked decline of nutrient concentrations was observed during the period 1996–2007. The annual mean values of total P decreased from 0.43 mg L⁻¹ to 0.16 mg L⁻¹, those of N-NO₃ from 4.6 mg L⁻¹ to 1.5 mg L⁻¹ and N-NH₄ from 1.9 mg L⁻¹ to 0.04 mg L⁻¹. Despite this, the phytoplankton biomass remained at a high level. The seasonal mean values of chlorophyll-a ranged from 51.0 μg L⁻¹ to 116.8 μg L⁻¹ in the same time period. An obviously stronger relationship was found of the phytoplankton biomass and pattern of its development to the variation of flow rates than to the existing level of nutrient concentrations. A significantly decreasing relationship (R² = 0.384, P < 0.001) of chlorophyll-a to flow rates and a significantly increasing relationship (R² = 0.359, P < 0.001) of chlorophyll-a to water temperatures were found, based on monthly mean values for the seasonal period 2002–2007. The results obtained indicate a remarkable increase of phytoplankton biomass and its prolongated occurrence in watercourses, which can be expected due to the consequences of the predicted climate change (i.e. higher occurrence of summer droughts and low precipitation amounts accompanied by a substantial drop of flow rates, increase of air and water temperatures), as described in the respective scenarios for the territory of the Czech Republic. Simulations by the regional climate models HIRHAM and RCAO and emission scenario SRES indicated the increase of air temperature by 2.5–5 °C, decrease of precipitation amount by 6–25% and decline of flows by 14–43% in the Berounka River for the scenario period 2071–2100.