Abstract
This study assessed the effects of two widely used powdered detergents in Nigeria Omo and Klin on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris over 14 days under laboratory conditions. Detergent concentrations ranging from 0 g/l, 3.33g/l, 6.67 g/l, 10.00g/l, 13.33 g/l and 16.67g were tested. Results revealed that Klin stimulated algal growth by up to 25% at optimal concentrations, while Omo reduced growth by as much as 45% across most treatments. The stimulation by Klin is likely due to its phosphate content, while Omo's inhibition is attributed to potentially toxic additives. These findings suggest Chlorella vulgaris has potential as an early-warning indicator of detergent contamination, though further studies involving more detergent types are necessary to confirm generalizability.