Important groups of fresh water microorganisms
Group members:
Mareeha Fatima (003567)
Zainab Noor (003595)
Amina naveed (005199)
Maryam bibi (006676)
Submitted to:
Amna Usman (003587)
Miss zukhra abbasi
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contents:Contents :
§ Bacteria in fresh
Bacteria in fresh water water
§ Fresh water algae
§ Fresh
Protozoawater
in freshalgae
water
§ Protozoa
Fungi in freshin fresh water
water
§ Viruses in fresh water
Fungi in fresh water
Viruses in fresh water
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What is fresh water?
Ø it is a naturally occurring water on earths surface and
underground and typically contains less than 1% sodium chloride or
low in salt concentration.
Ø It can be defined as water with less than 500 part per million (ppm) of
dissolved cells
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Types of Bacteria
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Fresh water algae
1. Freshwater algae are diverse, photosynthetic organisms found in lakes,
rivers, ponds, and streams.
2. They play a crucial role in maintaining aquatic ecosystems by
contributing to oxygen production, nutrient cycling, and serving as a
food source for various organisms.
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Types of Freshwater Algae
1.Green Algae (Chlorophyta):
The most common type, found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams.
Examples include Spirogyra and Chlamydomonas.
2.Brown Algae (Phaeophyceae) :
Brown algae are a group of multicellular marine algae found mostly in cold, coastal waters.
Their brown color comes from the pigment fucoxanthin, which masks chlorophyll.
Example:
Kelp (Macrocystis, Laminaria) – Forms underwater forests, supporting marine life.
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Types of Freshwater Algae
3.Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria):
Bacteria that photosynthesize, some species can produce toxins.
Examples: Microcystis, Anabaena.
4.Red Algae (Rhodophyta):
Less common in freshwater but found in clean, oxygen-rich streams.
Example:Chondrus (Irish Moss) – Used to make carrageenan, a thickening agent
in food
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Ecological Roles
• Oxygen Production:
Algae contribute significantly to oxygen levels through photosynthesis, supporting
aquatic life.
• Food Source:
They form the base of the food web, feeding zooplankton, fish, and invertebrates.
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Ecological role
• Nutrient Cycling:
Algae absorb excess nutrients, preventing harmful eutrophication.
• Bioindicators:
Their presence and abundance indicate water quality and ecosystem health
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Benefits:
§ Support biodiversity
§ Improve water quality
§ Potential use in biofuel production
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Challenges:
• Algal blooms caused by excess nutrients
(eutrophication)
• Harmful algal blooms (HABs) that produce
toxins
• Oxygen depletion from excessive decay of algae
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Fresh water protozoa
1. Protozoa are single-celled, microscopic organisms found in
fresh water, including lakes, rivers, ponds, and even
puddles.
2. They belong to the Kingdom Protista and are
characterized by their ability to move independently and
often consume bacteria, algae, and other organic matter.
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Characteristics of Freshwater Protozoa
•Unicellular Organisms – They exist as single cells with a nucleus.
•Eukaryotic Cells – Their cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound
organelles.
•Diverse Modes of Nutrition – Some are heterotrophic (consume organic matter),
while others are autotrophic (photosynthetic).
•Various Locomotion Methods – They move using flagella, cilia, or pseudopodia.
•Reproduction – They reproduce by binary fission (asexual) or
conjugation (sexual).
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Types of Freshwater Protozoa
1. Amoeboid Protozoa (Sarcodina)
Move using pseudopodia (temporary projections of the
cytoplasm).
Engulf food through a process called phagocytosis.
Example: Amoeba proteus
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2. Ciliated Protozoa (Ciliates)
Move using cilia (tiny hair-like structures).
Example species:
Paramecium – One of the most well-known ciliates, moves using cilia and has a
distinct slipper shape.
Vorticella – Bell-shaped ciliate that attaches to surfaces with a stalk.
Stentor – Large, trumpet-shaped protozoan that uses cilia to create water
currents.
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3. Flagellated Protozoa (Flagellates)
Move using flagella (long whip-like structures).
Example species:
Euglena – Can photosynthesize like plants and move like animals using a
flagellum.
Peranema – A free-living flagellate that feeds on bacteria.
Chilomonas – A small, non-photosynthetic flagellate.
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4. Spore-Forming Protozoa (Sporozoans)
Mostly parasitic and non-motile in their mature stage.
Example species:
Plasmodium – Causes malaria (not freshwater, but an important
sporozoan).
Cryptosporidium – Can contaminate drinking water and cause illness.
Gregarina – Found in aquatic invertebrates.
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Importance of fresh water protozoa:
§ Nutrient Cycling:
Break down organic matter and recycle nutrients.
§ Food Chain:
Serve as food for small aquatic organisms.
§ Water Quality Indicators:
Presence or absence can indicate pollution levels.
§ Medical and Scientific Importance:
Some species are studied for their role in diseases.
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Adaptations of fresh water protozoa :
• Encystment:
Many protozoa form cysts to survive unfavorable conditions.
• Contractile Vacuoles:
Help in osmoregulation by expelling excess water.
• Mixotrophy:
Some protozoa (e.g., Euglena) can switch between autotrophic and heterotrophic modes of nutrition.
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Fresh water protozoa
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Protozoa found in fresh water:
•Amoeba –
Irregularly shaped, moves using pseudopodia (false feet), and engulfs food via phagocytosis.
•Paramecium –
Slipper-shaped, moves using cilia, and has a specialized feeding groove.
•Euglena –
Moves with a flagellum, can photosynthesize like plants but also consume food like animals.
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Fresh water protozoa
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Fungi in fresh water
• Fungi play a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems,
contributing to nutrient cycling, organic matter
decomposition, and symbiotic relationships with other
organisms.
• They include diverse groups such as molds, yeasts, and
filamentous fungi.
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Types of Freshwater Fungi
Aquatic Hyphomycetes –
Also known as water molds, they break down leaf litter and organic matter.
Chytridiomycota (Chytrids) –
Unicellular fungi with flagellated spores; some are parasitic on algae and
amphibians.
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Ascomycota (Sac Fungi) –
Includes filamentous fungi and yeasts, contributing to organic
decomposition.
Basidiomycota (Club Fungi) –
Less common in freshwater but found in submerged wood and
organic debris.
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Roles of Fungi in Freshwater Ecosystems
1. Decomposition and Nutrient Cycling:
Ø Breakdown of organic materials (leaves, wood, dead organisms)
Ø Release of essential nutrients back into the ecosystem
Ø Enhance microbial food webs
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2. Symbiotic Relationships:
Mycorrhizal associations: Fungi help aquatic plants absorb nutrients
Lichens: Symbiotic relationships with algae or cyanobacteria
Mutualistic relationships with invertebrates
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3. Parasitism and Pathogenic Effects:
Some fungi act as pathogens, affecting fish, amphibians, and invertebrates
Example:
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis causing chytridiomycosis in amphibians
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4. Bioremediation:
• Fungi help degrade pollutants and detoxify water
bodies
• Capable of breaking down heavy metals, pesticides,
and hydrocarbons
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Adaptations of Freshwater Fungi
§ Ability to produce spores resistant to water flow
§ Formation of biofilms for attachment to submerged surfaces
§ Enzyme secretion for breaking down complex organic
materials
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Freshwater Fungi in Research
• Used in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals
• Studied for their role in climate change and carbon cycling
• Potential applications in wastewater treatment
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Threats to Freshwater Fungi
• Pollution (chemical waste, pesticides, heavy metals)
• Habitat destruction and climate change
• Introduction of invasive species affecting fungal diversity
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Viruses in fresh water
• Viruses are microscopic infectious agents that require a host to replicate.
• Freshwater bodies, such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, can harbor various
viruses.
• Importance of studying freshwater viruses for public health and
environmental protection.
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Common Freshwater Viruses
1. Enteroviruses (e.g., Poliovirus,
Coxsackievirus)
2. Norovirus
3. Rotavirus
4. Hepatitis A and E viruses
5. Adenoviruses
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Sources of Viral Contamination
• Human and animal fecal matter
• Sewage and wastewater discharge
• Agricultural runoff
• Stormwater and flood events
• Direct contamination by infected individuals
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Transmission pathways
• Ingestion of contaminated water
• Consumption of contaminated seafood (e.g., shellfish)
• Recreational activities like swimming, boating, or fishing
• Irrigation of crops with contaminated water
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Health Impacts
• Gastroenteritis (vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps)
• Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
• Respiratory infections
• Neurological diseases in severe cases
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Environmental Impact
• Disruption of aquatic ecosystems
• Decline in biodiversity
• Spread of viruses to wildlife
• Bioaccumulation in aquatic food chains
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Detection and Monitoring
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques
• Immunological assays
• Cell culture methods
• Environmental sampling and surveillance
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Prevention and Control Measures
• Proper wastewater treatment and sanitation
• Boiling or filtering drinking water
• Avoiding recreational water activities in contaminated areas
• Public health awareness and education
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Case Studies
• Notable outbreaks linked to freshwater contamination
• Impact of improved sanitation in reducing waterborne viral
diseases
• Success stories from water treatment advancements
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