PRESERVATION OF UNICELLULAR GREEN-ALGAE BY A LIQUID-DRYING METHOD

Successful drying of fresh water unicellular green algae (Chlorococcal es) for long-term maintenance and preservation is described. The cultu res of Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Chlorella vulgaris, Selenastrum capricor nutum, Scenedesmus subspicatus and Euglena gracilis which are generall y used for ecotoxicity testing were feeze-dried and liquid-dried. The liquid-dried cells proved viable and stable after reactivation. There was a slight drop in viability during one year storage at -30-degrees- C. However, poor viabilities were demonstrated after freeze-drying. Th e method is first of its kind which is applicable for the drying of eu karyotic algae. The dried cells can be stored at low cost with out spe cialized equipment for a long time and within few days of reactivation a fresh inoculum (pre-culture with normal cells) can be obtained easi ly for ecotoxicity testing and other purposes.