POPULATION-DYNAMICS OF ATTACHED BACTERIA IN A MESOTROPHIC SWAMPY BOG OF JAPAN

The population dynamics of epibacteria in a mesotrophic bog, Matsumi-ike Bog, were studied during a period of 1 yr. The bacterial population showed evident seasonal fluctuation in attachment and growth rate. The detachment rate of the epibacterial community was low throughout the year. The population dynamics were influenced most significantly by the concentration of dissolved organic matter in the bog water; DOC was a limiting factor for bacterial growth. Of all the important physical parameters, temperature also significantly affected the population dynamics, but it was not a limiting factor. Seasonal fluctuations of other nutrients, such as total inorganic N, phosphate, and particulate organic C, had less influence on the bacterial population dynamics.