Effects of microwaves on organisms. Ptychodiscus brevis--Gomphosphaeria aponina interactions

The two referenced organisms have been subjected to microwave irradiation (2,450 MHz CW). Initial experiments indicated no statistically significant loss of cell numbers as a result of simple temperature rise (6 degrees C) or experimental manipulation. Cell survival for P. brevis one week after irradiation was related to total energy absorbed, not power level used. Over a 48 h period, a first-order decrease in cell numbers was observed. All cells were destroyed at a threshold level of 0.1 kJ/cm3. In contrast, the blue-green alga G. aponina in log phase of growth showed no loss of cells. In the presence of G. aponina, P. brevis suffered cell lysis, though G. aponina thrived. Irradiation of the mixed cultures appeared to enhance the lysis effect.