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The planktonic and benthic bacterial populations of Lough Neagh
Author(s) -
QUINN J.P.,
GILLAN M.B.,
MCGROGAN H.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
journal of applied bacteriology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 0021-8847
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2672.1985.tb01432.x
Subject(s) - benthic zone , water column , profundal zone , littoral zone , eutrophication , plankton , environmental science , oceanography , biology , ecology , geology , nutrient
The planktonic and benthic bacterial populations of Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland, were studied over a one‐year period. Direct counts of bacteria in the water column averaged 6 times 10 7 /ml with limited spatial or temporal variation; viable counts, however, showed a pronounced late spring maximum of 1.7 times 10 6 /ml and were consistently higher at a littoral sampling station. Direct counts of bacteria in the profundal sediments averaged 8 times 10 9 /ml whilst viable benthic counts rose steeply during spring to reach a June maximum of 1 times 10 8 /ml. Direct: viable count ratios were much greater in the more sandy littoral zone. The predominant benthic isolate was an Aeromonas sp. which was also common in samples from the water column. These results confirm the eutrophic status of Lough Neagh indicated by other biological and chemical surveys.