Stored Waters

Stored Waters

Stored Waters - Inland waters held in ponds, lakes or reservoirs represent stored waters. Storage generally reduces the numbers of organisms in water. A certain degree (If purity and stability is established.

Several factors affect the microbial flora of stored waters. These are as follows

Sedimentation:
Microorganisms have a specific gravity slightly greater than that of' water, and therefore slowly settle down. However, the most important factor is their attachment to suspended particles. Microorganisms are removed from the upper layers of the water as the suspended particles settle down.

Activities of other organisms:
Predatory Protozoa engulf living or dead bacteria for food, provided the water contains sufficient dissolved oxygen.

Light ray: Direct sunlight is toxic to both vegetative cells and spores of microorganisms.
The toxicity of ultraviolet rays is inversely proportional to the turbidity of water. In tropical countries direct sun light is a very effective sterilizing agent.

Temperature.
Temperature has variable effects. It may kill some organisms and may stimulate the growth of others. During colder months the multiplication rate of microorganisms is considerably reduced.

Food supply.
If there is considerable vegatation or suspended food particles in the body of water, it is likely to increase the number of organisms. On the other hand, certain toxic substances may bring about marked reduction in the number of, organisms.

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