The present book gives a comprehensive survey, of the diversity of protozoa, their cell structure and way of living as well as thcir specialization in different biotypes.
Starting from a general survey on the properties of unicellular eucaryotic organisms, physiology and, in particular, feeding in the natural environment are described in detail. Owing to their high feeding activity, i. e. filter feeding, predetion or absorption of dissolved substrates, protozoa are of great importance for the rcmoval of organic materials from wastewater. The author also explains the role of the heterotrophic flagellates and of the ciliates as main consumers of bacteria in water bodies and shows the relationships between the abundance of ciliates and t,he degree of eutrophica,tion. The symbiotic relationships between protozoa and phototrophic organisms are described in detail and illustrated by numerous examples. I n two chapters, bioenergetic models of protozoan growth are dealt with and discussed on the basis of comparisons with results from different investigators. The specific growth rates of protozoa from different trophic levels are given in dependence on cell volume, physiological conditions and other influencing factors. The role of phagotrophic protozoa in the transformation of organic N and P likewise is dealt with.
The relationship between supply and ingestion of food is formulated analogous to the Michaelis Nenten reaction.
Other chapters contain a comprehensive description of protozoa in different biotopes like marine waters, fresh water (both clean and polluted) and sediments. The book is written in a language which can easily be understood. Important problems are discussed by the aut,hor. This stimulates thc reader to reflect his ideas and, possibly, to develop new ones. The pnblication is wcll-editcd and printed and really deserves to bc rea,d.
I. ROSKE