Ferulic acid exposure inhibited the growth of blue-green algae Microcystis aeruginosa.
Allelopathic effects were evaluated by PAM and flow cytometry as diagnostic tools.
Ferulic acid inhibited the photosynthetic activities of M. aeruginosa.
Ferulic acid inhibited the membrane potential and esterase activity of M. aeruginosa.
Membrane potential and esterase activity were identified as two sensitive variables.