Abstract
Since sewage treatment plants are most effective in Switzerland, the micro-benthic communities in receiving running waters have changed considerably. From January 1980 to September 1981 the periphyton communities in 13 Swiss streams and rivers were monthly investigated. The NH4-N concentration in these waters varied between 0.015 and 1.0 mg/l. Four typical communities of microorganisms were found: In unpolluted running waters mainly small vagile ciliates were abundant; in slightly polluted waters peritricha (in the presence of bacteria) were found; in moderatly polluted waters peritricha in combination of few hymenostomata and Sphaerotilus could grow when bacteria and some degredable organic material where present; in polluted waters the well-known Spaerotilus-community (after Liebmann) could be found. The microscopic as well as the macroscopic aspect should be considered to qualify the degree of pollution in streams and rivers.
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