DECOMPOSITION OF NITROGENOUS SUBSTANCES IN SEA WATER BY BACTERIA

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Abstract
Decomposition of copepods in sea water by bacteria is accompanied by active bacterial multiplication, 0 consumption, liberation of N as ammonia and phosphate regeneration. The bacterial maximum was attained in 2 days as detd. by the plate method, and in 2-4 days by the microscopic method. This was followed by a precipitous drop observed earlier by the plate method than by the microscopic method. 70-80% of the theoretical amt. of O required to oxidize the asparagine in the medium was actively consumed by the bacteria in 6-10 days. N liberation, measured by increased consumption of O as a result of addition of glucose, gave equivalent values to the actual amt. of ammonia produced.