Nutrients

Nutrients

Nutrients - Supply of nutrients is one of the major determinants of microbial biomass and variety. Both organic and inorganic nutrients play a vital role. Nutrients may occur either as dissolved material or as a particulate material.

The amount may vary from near zero in spring to 1-2 mg per litre in deep ocean and certain lakes. Aquatic environments with limited nutrient content are said to be oligotrophic and those with a high nutrient content are said to be eutrophic.

In general, open sea has a stable and very low nutrient load. But, nearshore water shows variations in nutrient load due to the addition of nutrients from domestic and industrial wastewaters.

Inorganic nutrients particularly, nitrogen and phosphorus, may limit algal growth. However, the presences of these nutrients in large quantities often lead to excessive growth of algae, a condition known as eutrophication.

Heavy metals like mercury have an inhibitory effect on microorganisms. However, certain microorganisms have developed resistance towards these heavy metals.

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