Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of phosphorus (P) on the toxicity of zinc (Zn) for the alga Raphidocelis subcapitata. P was provided in three concentrations: 2.3 x 10-4 mol L-1, 2.3 x 10-6 mol L−1 and 1.0 x 10-6 mol L−1. Algal cells were acclimated to the specific P concentrations before the start of the experiment. The chemical equilibrium software MINEQL+ 4.61 was employed to calculate the Zn2+ concentration. After acclimated, the algal cells were inoculated into media containing different Zn concentrations (0.09 x 10-6 mol L-1 to 9.08 x 10-6 mol L-1). The study showed that besides the reduction in algal growth rates, phosphorus had an important influence on the toxicity of zinc for microalga. The inhibitory Zn2+ concentration values for R. subcapitata were 2.74 x 10-6 mol L-1, 0.58 x 10-6 mol L-1 and 0.24 x 10-6 mol L-1 for the microalgae acclimated at P concentrations of 2.3 x 10-4 mol L-1, 2.3 x 10-6 mol L-1 and 1.0 x 10-6 mol L-1, respectively. Ecotoxicological studies should consider the interaction between metal concentrations and varying P values to provide realistic data of what occurs in phytoplankton communities in environments.

ABSTRACT Annona glabra L. is a semi-deciduous tree that contains several active substances, including secondary metabolites, with antifungal activity. Phytopathogenic strains of the genus Pythium cause billion dollar losses all over the world on natural and crop species. Searching for eco-friendly algaecides and fungicides, we analyzed the effects of acetone extracts of A. glabra leaves on the algae Rhaphidocelis subcapitata (Korshikov) and on the oomycete Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson). We evaluated ten extract concentrations for each organism - 0 to 400 mg L-1 for algae and 0-1000 µg disc1 for oomycete. The results showed no effect on algae up to 75 mg L-1, but a significant inhibitory effect at 125 mg L-1 and above, which reduced the growth rate and the final biomass of the algae. Extract concentrations above 200 mg L-1 were completely inhibitory. The half maximal inhibitory concentration for 72 and 96 h of exposure to our crude extracts are comparable to those obtained with commercial fungicides and herbicides used in aquatic ecosystems. The P. aphanidermatum inhibition concentrations have effects comparable to fungicides as Cycloheximide and Bifonazole. Some substances isolated from the extracts are described as antifungals, which could explain part of anti-oomycete activity. Our results highlight the importance of searching bioactive compounds from plants.