The effects of oils on growth of freshwater phytoplankton

Abstract Experiments investigating the effects of oils on pure cultures of freshwater algae show that Euglena gracilis Klebs will grow in cultures containing up to 10% diesel and lubricating oils, whereas the growth of Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turpin) Brebisson is reduced by lubricating oil and halted by the presence of diesel oil. It is suggested that oils may affect photosynthetic metabolism in sensitive species.