Index >> Water Microbiology >> Surface Waters

Surface Waters - As soon as ram or snow reaches the earth and flows over the soil, some of the soil organisms are gathered up by the water. Bodies, of water such as streams, rivers, and oceans represent surface water.

Microbial populations depend upon their numbers in the soil and, also, upon the kinds and quantities of food material dissolved out of the soil by water. Climatic, geographical and biological conditions bring about great variations in microbial populations of surface waters.

Rivers and streams show their highest count during the rainy period Dust blowing into rivers and streams also contributes many microorganisms. Animals also make considerable contribution to the microbial flora of the surface waters. They bathe and often drop their excreta in the water.