ABSTRACT
Microalgae play an extremely beneficial role in nature. Because of their inherent photosynthetic activity, microalgae are highly important primary producers of organic matter in aquatic ecosystems. If microalgae (along with aquatic angiosperms) were to disappear from aquatic environments, notably as a result of multiple manmade stresses, the animal world would be lacking its primary source of food and energy.1 Accordingly, reliable microalgal lethality assays conducted in the laboratory, as early warning systems enabling decision-making to be proactive instead of reactive to pollution-generating activities, would contribute valuable information to environmental protection programs.2
