Abstract
The functional diversity of free-living aquatic protozoans is discussed with respect to the feeding ecology, life strategies and water quality. Heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF) are known as most important grazers of bacteria in many aquatic ecosystems. Recent studies of flagellate feeding processes indicated that there are significant species-specific variability regarding the food uptake and food selection of bacterivorous flagellates. The Choanoflagellida have an essential role in microbial food webs contributing to a process of self-purification of water bodies as well as are used in monitoring systems. We show that diversity and relative abundance of ciliates and other protozoans can be used as indicators of toxic pollution and acidification. Multivariate statistics were used to design “the scale of toxicity” across a gradient of toxicant stress and organic compounds. A new index of periphyton flagellates (IPF) as indicator of the trophic status of a water-body and a simplified index for a sublethal toxicity assessment were developed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
