Dunaliella was first noticed in the saltern evaporation ponds in 1838 by
Michael Felix Dunal and named after it’s discoverer by Teodoresco in 1905.
After discovery Dunaliella has become a convenient model organism for the
study of salt adaptation. The establishment of concept of organic compatible
solutes to provide osmotic balance was largely based on the study of Dunaliella
species. More over the massive accumulation of β-carotene by some strains
under suitable growth conditions has led to interesting biotechnological
application (Oren, 2005). In this backdrop, this chapter addresses taxonomy,
ecology, isolation, and culture of Dunaliella and its role in salt pans.