Some aspects of microbiological characteristics in the nearshore waters of Bombay

Abstract

Primary production, bacterial abundance, their generic composition, some of their biodegradative enzymes and heterotrophic uptake of labelled glucose were examined from the waters of Bombay harbour-Thana creek-Bassein creek confluence. Extremely low mineralization rate, as evidenced from poor microbial heterotrophic activity and fewer bacterial groups suggest environmental deterioration. Besides suggesting eutrophication, higher rates of primary production in the locations receiving industrial wastes were also important in discerning a nonstimulation of microbial mineralisation processes. Most microbial processes were observed to be under stress at the locations affected by effluent discharge than those relatively free of pollutants.