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The World of Protozoa, Rotifera, Nematoda and Oligochaeta

Ref ID : 965

Kl. Mechsner; The influence of seasonal light variations on the growth of Sphaerotilus natans. Hydrobiologia 120:193-197, 1985

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The influence of the sunlight on the seasonal development of Sphaerotilus natans was investigated in model flowing water channels. To exclude interfering factors such as either substrate variations or competition, special vessels containing pure cultures of Sphaerotilus natans were used. These were submerged on the bottom of the cannels, and could be shaded completely with metal plates. The results showed complete inhibition of Sphaerotilus natans growth between May and August, when daylight periods were longer than 13 hours. During the other months, no growth inhibition relative to growth under shaded conditions, was observed. The physiological reasons for light inhibition are discussed.