This study presents information on the pH-induced toxicity of AlCl₃, AlF₃, NaF and AlCl₃ + NaF on growth, nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, photosynthetic electron transport, enzymes of nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism and ATPase activity of Chlorella vulgaris. The interaction of AlCl₃ and NaF produced additive effect at pH 6.8, and synergistic at pH 6.0 and 4.5. It is suggested that phosphate restricts the entry of Al into the cell, while fluoride promotes it. AlF toxicity could be due to its interference with phosphate binding site of ATPase thereby arresting the release of energy.

Key words: Aluminum; Chlorella vulgaris; Fluoroaluminate; Infra-red spectroscopy.

Reprints: L C Rai, Banaras Hindu University
Department of Botany, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.

FLUORIDE 31(4),  1998, p 226	International Society for Fluoride Research
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