Inhibition of Unicellular Algae by Synthetic Surface‐active Agents

SUMMARY The effects of non‐ionic, anionic and cationic detergents on 12 species of marine phytoplankton lucre observed. Although individual species varied widely in response, growth inhibition in non‐ionic surfactants became more pronounced as the surface‐active properties of the agents tested increased. The tolerances of species belonging to the same family were generally similar, and each family had a specific inhibition pattern. Anionic detergents inhibited growth in concentration ranges that depended on the species and the surfactant. All species were more sensitive to the cationic agent than to anionic or non‐ionic agents. The significance of these results was discussed.