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Inhibition of Photosynthesis and Nitrogen Fixation in Algae by Volatile Nitrogen Bases¹

ABSTRACT

Pure-culture studies were conducted to determine the effect of short-chain aliphatic amines and ammonia on photosynthesis by a green alga, Chlorella ellipsoidea, and a blue-green alga, Anabaena subcylindrica, and on the nitrogennse activity by A. subcylindrica. The aliphatic amines (1 to 5 carbons) and ammonia decreased C. ellipsoidea O₂ production 50% at concentrations ranging from 1.2 x 10^–9 to 23.5 x 10^–9 µg free amine N/cell and 160 x 10^–9 µg free ammonia N/cell, respectively. Amine (1 to 6 carbons) concentrations, ranging from 3.0 x 10^–9 to 25.8 x 10^–8 µg free amine N/cell, decreased A. subcylindrica O₂ production and N₃ fixation 50% (as estimated by the acetylene reduction technique). Ammonia concentrations of 12 to 2,510 and 14 to 1,220 times greater than any single amine concentration were needed to decrease A. subcylindrica O₂ production or acetylene reduction by 50%, respectively. The effect of the chemicals on C. ellipsoidea was reversible and depended on pH and free amine concentration.

Key Words: acetylene reduction • aliphatic amines • ammonia • Anabaena subcylindrica • cattle feedlot • Chlorella ellipsoidea

¹ Contribution of USDA-ARS, P. O. Box E, Fort Collins, CO 80522, in cooperation with Colorado State Univ. Exp. Stn., Scientific J. Ser. no. 2277.

² Research Chemist.

Received for publication July 16, 1977.