Seven organic compounds containing nitrogen were tested as potential sources of nitrogen for five different species of freshwater algae. The chlorococcal green algaeSelenastrumandAnkistrodesmuswere the most versatile with regard to nitrogen sources; the diatomCyclotellaalso grew well upon some organic nitrogen compounds. The desmidArthrodesmusgrew fast only on urea, whileCryptomonasdid not grow well upon any of the organic compounds tested.More information is needed before the potential importance of organic nitrogen sources for freshwater phytoplankton can be assessed.
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