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Microbial Effects

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Sediment Dynamics and Pollutant Mobility in Rivers

Part of the book series: Environmental Science and Engineering ((ENVSCIENCE))

Abstract

Natural sediments are not sterile but inhabited by a large range of microorganisms (Riding and Awramik, 2000) and higher forms of life. As a consequence, these organisms participate in many chemical processes in sediments, in the interaction between sediments and the water phase and in sediment dynamics. In fluvial environments, the interface between the major water body and the sediment, is a very active zone both in physicochemical and biological terms. Especially in highly permeable sediments, the dynamic flux of energy, nutrients, metabolites and particles (including microorganisms) is interdependent with local hydrodynamics (Huettel et al. 2003). Due to their slime matrix, active microbial communities at the water-sediment interface, develop into macroscopic scale structures which modify sediment topography and frictional resistance. These surface alterations have repercussions in fluid flow, shear forces and other physical parameters, especially at the benthic boundary layer. Microbial colonization is not limited to the sediment-liquid interface; equally important on their effect on river sediment hydrodynamics, is their ability to develop at significant sediment depths. At this level, permeability and hydraulic conductivity changes caused by microbial colonization, can have a profound effect on sediment cohesion and sorption/ desorption processes (Leon-Morales et al. this vol.).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Aquatic Microbiology, Biofilm Centre, University Duisburg-Essen, Geibelstraße 41, 47057, Duisburg, Germany

    Prof. Dr. Hans-Curt Flemming, Dr. Martin Strathmann & Carlos Felipe Leon Morales

Authors
  1. Prof. Dr. Hans-Curt Flemming
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  2. Dr. Martin Strathmann
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  3. Carlos Felipe Leon Morales
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Environmental Technology and Energy Economics, Hamburg University of Technology, Eissendorfer Straße 40, 21071, Hamburg, Germany

    Ulrich Förstner

  2. Institute of Hydraulic Engineering, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 61, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany

    Bernhard Westrich

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Flemming, HC., Strathmann, M., Morales, C.F.L. (2007). Microbial Effects. In: Westrich, B., Förstner, U. (eds) Sediment Dynamics and Pollutant Mobility in Rivers. Environmental Science and Engineering. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-34785-9_9

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