VI-133 

 SECTION 6. MICROBIOLOGY 



Microbiological aspects must be considered in a special category 

 because of their widespread and diversied influence. Bacteria 

 serve to oreak down dead organic material and wastes into inorga- 

 nic nutrients necessary for plant growth. These nutrients in 

 moderation and in proper balance make possible the normal algal 

 productivity which, in turn, supports all animal life. In excess 

 or imbalance, these nutrients permit or encourage eutrophi cation, 

 the accelerated superabundance of algae to nuisance conditions, 

 ciacteria are responsible for causing foul odors, unacceptable 

 bottom conditions, digusting slimes that foul fishermen's nets, 

 and depletion of dissolved oxygen in the water which drives out 

 fish anu otner desirable organisms. Bacteria, protozoans, and 

 viruses are extremely important as disease organisms, both to 

 humans and to desirable estuarine plants and animals. 



ALGAL GROWTH PROCESSES 



As more and more studies determine that eutrophication is a major 

 current or potential concern in our estuaries, it is imperative 

 that we seek to understand the cause-effect relationships gover- 

 ning algal growth processes. Both field and laboratory studies 



