skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Seasonal variation in population density and heterotrophic activity of attached and free-living bacteria in coastal waters

Journal Article · · Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6957574

The abundance and heterotrophic activity of attached and free-living bacteria was examined seasonally in coastal water. Heterotrophic activity was determined by the uptake of (/sup 14/C)glucose. The density of attached bacteria was always minor, not showing a seasonal variation, whereas the free-living bacteria were more numerous and showed a marked seasonal variation, their density being higher under warmer conditions. The contribution of the attached bacteria to the total assimilation of (/sup 14/C)glucose was lower than that of the free-living bacteria, neither of them showing a seasonal variation. On a cellular basis, attached bacteria were more active, since they assimilated more (/sup 14/C)glucose and showed, under warmer conditions, a higher cellular volume. The authors consider that the factors responsible for these observations were the amount and quality of the particulate material, the different availability of organic matter for the two types of bacteria, and in a fundamental way, the variation in water temperature.

Research Organization:
Universidad del Pais Vasco, Bilbao (Spain)
OSTI ID:
6957574
Journal Information:
Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States), Vol. 53:10
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English