"Influence of Macrophyte Decomposition on Growth Rate and Community Structure of Okefenokee Swamp Bacterioplankton
Robert E. Murray,* and Robert E. Hodson
Institute of Ecology and Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602


ABSTRACT

Dissolved substances released during decomposition of the white water lily (Nymphaea odorata) can alter the growth rate of Okefenokee Swamp bacterioplankton. In microcosm experiments dissolved compounds released from senescent Nymphaea leaves caused a transient reduction in the abundance and activity of water column bacterioplankton, followed by a period of intense bacterial growth. Rates of [3H]thymidine incorporation and turnover of dissolved D-glucose were depressed by over 85%, 3 h after the addition of Nymphaea leachates to microcosms containing Okefenokee Swamp water. Bacterial activity subsequently recovered; after 20 h [3H]thymidine incorporation in leachate-treated microcosms was 10-fold greater than that in control microcosms. The recovery of activity was due to a shift in the composition of the bacterial population toward resistance to the inhibitory compounds present in Nymphaea leachates. Inhibitory compounds released during the decomposition of aquatic macrophytes thus act as selective agents which alter the community structure of the bacterial population with respect to leachate resistance. Soluble compounds derived from macrophyte decomposition influence the rate of bacterial secondary production and the availability of microbial biomass to microconsumers. "

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Influence of Macrophyte Decomposition on Growth Rate and Community Structure of Okefenokee Swamp Bacterioplankton -- Murray and Hodson 51 (2): 293 -- Applied and Environmental Microbiology

Nymphaea leachates are known for possessing inhibitory compounds which serve as a source of resistance for the bacteria population. It may be fathomable that the leachates can be placed in other parts of the swamp, not necessarily just in habitat where a water-lily thrives, but additionally where other types of flora may reside and want to be protected. This may lead to an increase in microbial biomass to microconsumers, but after some time, this relationship may become mutually exclusive and independent of the other party involved.

How might the introduction of baceteriophages, such as pathogenic control agents, be possibly harmful to the root nodulation of other plants, which are necessary for normal growth? It is aware that in general such agents would help to improve the health of the plants, but are the risks of possibly destroying the foundation of a range of plants based on the layout of Okefenokee Swamp, worth the rewards of seeing a select group of plants grow and flourish, in terms of the addition of bacteria fighting substances, regardless of potency?

Chhs Football Rules.

I was under the impression that there were different types of bacterioplankton-- such as autotrophic or saprotrophic-- what species are most effected by the decomposition of the lillies and what ecological consequences does this have?

Another question; after the intense period of growth by the bacterioplankton, is the increase ever offset by periods of decrease? Or will the bacterioplankton continue to grow in population until the sheer amount is overwhelming?

If the increase is never offset by a decrease will increases in bacterioplankton have adverse consequences?

Finally, what is the significance of the bacterioplankton in context of the swamp? Is the swamp the site of this scientific phenomena or have the findings been replicated elsewhere-- in areas that are not swamps?

-Evan.

P.S. Gatsby gets shot.

I've walked in it, swam in it as have many a grad student and researcher...........we ain't dead.

This is about decaying plant material, not limbs rotting off from some tropical fungus. Cameroon has some good diseases there.


Regards,
Tom Barr

I've walked in it, swam in it as have many a grad student and researcher...........we ain't dead.

This is about decaying plant material, not limbs rotting off from some tropical fungus. Cameroon has some good diseases there.

Perhaps the decaying plant material has consequences... I think ecological abstracts such as this are very interesting and are insightful for learning about procedures to deal with excessive bacteria in swamps.

Nymphaea leachates are known for possessing inhibitory compounds which serve as a souce of resistance for the bacteria population. It may be fathomable that the leachates can be placed in other parts of the swamp, not necessarily just in habitat where a water-lily thrives, but additionally where other types of flora may reside and want to be protected. This may lead to an increase in microbrial biomass to microconsumers, but after some time, this relationship may become mutually exclusive and independent of the other party involved.

who here seen dem leprechauns in Okenefokee Swamp say yaeh

Perhaps maybe global warming could be an issue with the Okefenokee Swamp. I mean put aside the issues of the polar ice caps melting, but instead consider the real effect that pollution and the "green house effect" is having on not just swamps, but the entire environment. It's likely that the pollution could be contributing to this issue?