連続培養における細菌, 原生動物の個体群動態に対する細菌フロックの役割

抄録

The population dynamics of bacteria and a protozoa, Cyclidium sp., which have different growth rates, were studied using continuous culture systems containing only bacteria and both bacteria and protozoa. In these cultures, large numbers of bacteria formed flocs and some of the protozoa attached to the surfaces of these flocs. The flocs were rarely washed out from the vessels owing to gravity, but after reaching a critical size, they degradated into smaller flocs by the shear stress of aeration. The amount of flocs maintained a steady state due to the balance between formation and degradation. We concluded that the formation and maintenance of the bacterial flocs play a significant role in the population dynamics of bacteria and protozoa.