Index >> Aquatic Environment Microbiology >>Water Currents

Water Currents-Water currents are obvious in lentic habitats like rivers. Although washing off by water current helps in dispersal, removal from suitable habitat may also occur. The water current in rivers leads to a phenomenon known as nutrient spiralling. In ocean, water currents or geothermal vents are responsible for the mixing up of nutrients.

Usually in deep waters the water currents may move in opposite direction to those on the surface and usually they are slower. The velocity of water within a water body especially in rivers, have been found to influence the nutrient uptake and metabolism.

Studies on biofilms have also shown that, under phosphorus limiting conditions, a small increase in water velocity maximized the uptake of phosphorus.