EFFECTS OF PETROLEUM-HYDROCARBONS ON THE GROWTH OF A MICROALGA, ISOCHRYSIS SP. (CHRYSOPHYTA)

Effects of water soluble fraction of Bombay High crude oil and heavy d uty marine diesel on the growth of a microalga were examined and compa red. Most concentrations of the oil depressed the growth rate in Isoch rysis sp. Marine diesel prevented the growth of the alga in a concentr ation above 10%, while crude oil at a similar concentration had little effect on the growth. Hydrocarbon would cause environmental damage th rough selective effects on natural biota in the marine environment.