SEDL / STP / STP802-EB / STP33508S

Correlation Between the Autotrophic Index and Protozoan Colonization Rates as Indicators of Pollution Stress

Buikema, AL
Professor and assistant director, university distinguished professor and director, and associate professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA

Cairns, J
Professor and assistant director, university distinguished professor and director, and associate professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA

Yongue, WH
Professor and assistant director, university distinguished professor and director, and associate professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA

Pages: 12    Published: Jan 1983

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Abstract

The advantages of using microbial communities or multispecies in pollution assessment are discussed. Laboratory and field research assessing the effects of pollution on microbial community structure and function (that is, a ratio of autotrophy to total biomass, protozoan colonization rates, and species richness) indicates that the results are sensitive measures of pollution. The results of one test confirm the results of other tests. All the tests are quick, inexpensive, and reproducible.