Is it safe to autoclave seawater agar? For an experiment I'm going to prepare an artificial seawater agar. Before use, I have to sterilize the medium of course. I imagine, that autoclaving will cause the salts in the seawater to precipitate. Can I re-suspend them afterwards, or will it irreversibly change the composition of my medium? Should I use a different sterilization method altogether, e.g. filter sterilization?

I see no reason why it would precipitate chemically. Besides, you need to dissolve the agar via heat. Hence, auclaving is fine.

If you do not believe me these protocol allow for autoclaving of seawater agar 15min cycle 121 degrees: 1\. < 2\. <