Abstract
The susceptibility to microbial decomposition of species of 14 algae was assessed in pond water and with inocula from several environments. Some of the algae were destroyed in short periods, but others withstood microbial digestion for more than 4 weeks. The production of toxins did not account for the resistance of those algae not readily destroyed microbiologically. The suitability of the cell walls as a substrate for microorganisms was correlated with the longevity of three susceptible (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Cylindrospermum sp., and Ulothrix fimbrata) and three resistant (Fischerella muscicola, Pediastrum duplex, and Staurastrum sp.) algae. Microorganisms able to digest walls of the susceptible but not of the resistant algae were also isolated. The differing susceptibilities to decomposition may be related to the relative biodegradabilities of specific components of the algal walls.
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