The effect of three surfactants of different types (cationic, Katamin AB; anionic, sodium dodecylsulfonate; nonionic, Gidropol) on the cellular concentration of chlorophyll-a and on photosynthetic activity in Chlorella was investigated by measuring delayed fluorescence. Surfactants affect the photosynthetic apparatus of Chlorella, especially electron transport involving the second photosystem. At Katamin AB concentrations of 5 and 10 mg/liter, photosynthetic activity is depressed in the first few minutes of contact, with the change becoming irreversible after a day. The anionic and nonionic surfactants stimulate photosynthetic activity.