The effect of elevated temperature on copper toxicity to the thermophilic alga Synechococcus lividus (Cyanophyceae)

The hypothesis that temperature influences the toxicity of copper to thermophilic Cyanophyceae was tested in a laboratory study with Synechococcus lividus. This thermophile was tested at copper concentrations from 0 to 200 µg/1, and temperatures from 40.0 to 50.0 C. It was found that an interaction between increased copper and temperature significantly decreased the rate of carbon assimilation, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic efficiency.