Enzymatic indication of heavy metal toxicity to marine heterotrophic bacteria

The ecotoxicological effect of heavy metals on the dehydrogenase and catalase activities of marine heterotrophic bacteria was assessed in pure strains and in associations. The microorganisms from the surfaces of copper-containing materials had higher levels of enzyme activities and were inhibited by trace metals to a lesser degree. The data from the field and laboratory experiments suggest that catalase activity can provide an ecological indicator of the effects of heavy metals on the aquatic environment.