v iii CONTENTS 



demulcent. Carragheen poultices. Scrofula. Dulse for pyrexia. Bladderwrack and 

 agar in obesity. Stipes for fistulas, wounds, and labor. Present status of agar, algin, 

 and carragheenin. Seaweed "gums" or phycocolloids. Trichomona! vaginitis. 

 Cellular plasma of marine algae. Agar as culture medium and as vehicle for medica- 

 tions. Algin combined with oral and parenteral medications. Possible allergenicity 

 of alginates. Alginates in constipation and other digestive disorders. Other uses of 

 alginates in medicine and dentistry. Phycocolloids in dairy and baking industries. 

 Antibiotic properties of macroscopic algae. Anticoagulant activity of algal deriva- 

 tives. Laminarin as blood plasma substitute. Radioactivity of algae exposed to 

 atomic explosions. 



C. Miscellaneous Uses, 21 



Diverse and exotic applications of macroscopic algae. 



IV. PLANKTON, 22 



A. ZOOPLANKTON, 22 



Definition and composition. Distribution of various types. Marine zoo- 

 plankton as food for sailors. Earliest reports on eating of zooplankton. Biochemical 

 analyses. War interest in zooplankton. Tidal flow filtration. Studies at Heligoland. 

 Plankton content of Russian seas. British and American observations. Effect of 

 zooplankton on water requirements of castaways. Human feeding studies. Rat 

 feeding with marine and fresh water zooplankton. Experience with plankton by 

 passengers of the Kon-Tiki, the Heretique, and the Seven Little Sisters. 



B. Phytoplankton (Microscopic Algae), 27 



1. general nature, 27. Composition and chief types. Basic role as ulti- 

 mate nutrient of marine life. Effect on color and phosphorescence of sea. Early 

 studies on microscopic algae. More recent observations on culture, photosynthesis, 

 and metabolism. Review manuals on microalgae. 



2. metabolism, culture, and nutritional values, 29. Importance of 

 phytoplankton as world food supplement. Excellent digestibility. High content of 

 protein, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. Comparative analyses of algae 

 and field plants. Cellular structure. Key pigments: chlorophylls, carotenoids, phy- 

 cobilins. Distribution, nature, and functions of pigments. Protoporphyrin precur- 

 sors. Chlorophyll and heme. Vital role of pigments in photosynthesis. Fluorescence. 

 Algae without pigment. Algal reproduction. Binary fission. Sexuality and chemical 

 factors. Phases of algal growth in culture. Environmental and nutrient effects 

 upon algal composition. Enzyme systems. Algal proteins and amino acids. Nitro- 

 gen fixation in algal culture. Nitrogen fixation in agriculture. Algal carbohydrates. 

 Importance of lipids. Variability of quantity and quality of lipids. Chemical 

 characteristics. Sterols. Their use in synthesis of steroidal hormones. High vitamin 

 content of microalgae. Variations with environmental and enzymatic changes. 

 Vitamin assays. Major required nutrients. Trace elements or micronutrients. 

 Chelating agents. Unidentified growth factors. Mass culture of microscopic algae. 

 Basic requirements. Types of apparatus. Pilot plant studies in various countries. 

 Feeding experiments. Palatability and acceptability. 



