Study of Aquatic Microorganisms

Aquatic Environment Microbiology
Part 2
Atmospheric Waters
Surface Waters
Ground Waters
Stored Water
Water Cycle
Study of Aquatic Microorganisms
Determination of Bacterial Numbers
Total Viable Count
Total Cell Count
Determination of Bacterial Mass
Direct Methods
Indirect Methods
Flow Cytometry
Epiflourescence Microscopy
Microbial Communities in Aquatic Environments
Neuston
Pleuston
Plankton
Phytoplankton

Study of Aquatic Microorganisms

Study of Aquatic Microorganisms -The study of aquatic microorganisms is quite difficult because of the nature of their habitat and their unique characteristic features. The study is particularly difficult when the samples are from sea. Pelczar et.al. (1986) have analysed some of the problems associated with the study of aquatic microflora which are as follows:

Isolation of many aquatic microorganisms is very difficult since they will not readily grow on the usual laboratory media such as nutrient agar or nutrient broth. Thus, a number of microbes still have to be discovered from estuaries and oceans.

A large proportion of aquatic bacteria have a natural tendency to grow attached on solid surfaces, like particulate matter or on large organisms.

The time period between the sample collection and its transport to the laboratory usually leads to loss of viability of many microorganisms. This necessitates the use of laboratory-equipped ships for on-location culturing of specimens, which is very costly.

The study requires special sampling devices especially for collecting samples from the deeper regions of the estuary or ocean.

Another important problem is the lack of routine techniques for the isolation of aquatic viruses.

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