The effects of cold temperatures and crude oil on the abundance and activity of protozoa in a garden soil

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Abstract
The abundance and number of protozoan species inhabiting garden loam soil were monitored throughout the winter of 1979–1980 in both undisturbed and crude oil polluted sites. The effect of oil contamination on protozoan colonization was investigated using autoclaved soil cores. Oil did not appear to affect seriously either the encysted or trophic protozoa. Encystment was rapid at temperatures above 0 °C, and the evidence suggests that the soil protozoan population was active for short periods on many occasions throughout the winter.