Affiliations: College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University,
Hangzhou 310012, China | Science and Technology Committee of Zhejiang, Hangzhou
310006, China | Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University,
Hangzhou 310029, China
Abstract: There has always been a great need for simple and accurate bioassays
for evaluating nutrient limitation in aquatic ecosystems. Whereas organic
carbon is usually considered to be the limiting nutrient for microbial growth
in many aquatic ecosystems, there are, however, many water sources that are
limited by phosphorus or nitrogen. A method named "nitrogen fixing bacterial
growth potential" (NFBGP) test, which is based on pre-culturing ofautochthonous
(target) microorganisms was described. The method was applied to evaluate
phosphorus or nitrogen nutrient limitation in lake and sewage water samples
using an isolate of the nitrogen fixing bacterium, Azorhizobium sp. WS6. The
results corresponded well to those from the traditional algal growth potential
(AGP) test and the bacterial regrowth potential (BRP) test, suggesting that the
NFBGP test is a useful supplementary method for evaluating the limiting
nutrient, especially phosphorus, in an aquatic environment.
