Relationships between bacteria and predators, especially protozoa, were analysed using a laboratory model of an epibenthic microbial community and partial sterilization techniques. Heating at 45°to 65℃ brought about an increase in the number of bacteria in the microbial community. The elimination of the predatory activity of protozoa was thought to be the cause of this phenomenon. In addition, an increase in the amount of dissolved nutrients occuring incidentally due to heating, also influences the increase of bacteria. Treatment with the surface active agent, Aerosol-OT, was also effective in eliminating protozoa, and brought about an in crease in the number of bacteria in the treated sample. The results of these experiments indicate that predation by protozoa may be one of the important factors regulating the bacterial population of such a microbial community.
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