Assessment of pollution effects by the use of algae

Abstract

An attempt has been made to use the growth rate in culture of some of the larger attached algae for indication of pollution. Ulva lactua has a high potential from this point of view because of the ease with which it can be cultured and also because of its reactions to pollution by sewage. The growth rate of Laminaria saccharina shows a graded response to changes in total medium and physical conditions and to concentrations of added single substances. This species could be a useful pollution indicator, not only because of its sensitivity to changes, but also because of the part it plays in the ecosystems round our coasts.