Combined effects of mercury and algal food density on the population dynamics of Brachionus patulus (Rotifera)

Under laboratory conditions, the combined effects of exposure to mercuric chloride and food supply on the population growth of the freshwater rotifer, Brachionus patulus, were examined. Mercury exposure concentrations ranged 0 40 mu g/l, and a low and a high Chlorella density were used. Regardless of the Hg exposure levels, rotifer population increased with increasing food level, and regardless of the food level, a Hg concentration as low as 0.625 mu g/l caused a marked reduction in population growth. The maximal population density and the rate of population growth were affected significantly by the food level, the concentration of Hg, and their interaction.