Improved Method for Determining Bacterial Filtration Rates in Zooplankton

Abstract

Filtration rates were determined for a natural population of zooplankton grazers (Bosmina longirostris [Müll.], Cyclops vicinus vicinus [Ulianine], Acanthodiaptomus denticornis [Wierz.], and Daphnia longispina [Müll.]) by using H-labeled bacteria as food for these organisms. There was a relationship between filtration rates of the major zooplankton grazers and the prevailing algal and bacterial composition in the lake water. Low filtration rates were obtained in the presence of colonial and filamentous cyanobacteria. The rapid process of bacterial adhesion to the external organs of grazers can result in an overestimation of filtration rates. By using the simple method presented here, filtration rates, with simultaneous correction for bacterial adhesion, can be quickly determined.