Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Influence of wastewater treatment on the microbial ecology of a large, temperate river system — the Danube River

  • Published:
Hydrobiologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In an attempt to assess the influence of tertiary-treated sewage influx on bacterial metabolism in the Danube River, bacterial abundance, ectoenzymatic activity, faecal coliforms, faecal streptococci, chlorophyll a (chl a), concentrations of dissolved (DOC) and total organic carbon (TOC) and inorganic nutrients were measured upstream of the sewage influx and compared with sampling sites downstream. Additional samples were taken near the outlet of the sewage treatment plant. Bacterial abundance as determined by epifluorescence microscopy was compared with plate counts of total heterotrophic bacteria. Significantly higher values were obtained at the stations downstream from the sewage influx only for faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci, for glucuronidase activity and bacterial biovolume. All the other parameters were not significantly different from values obtained at the upstream sampling site. Strong seasonal dependence was detectable for nitrate with high concentrations during the winter (≈ 250 µM) and low concentrations during summer (≈ 100 µM). A distinct spring phytoplankton bloom was noticeable in the river reaching chl a concentrations of ≈ 70 µg 1−1; during the remaining seasons chl a concentrations were <20 µg 1−1. Highly significant correlations were found between faecal coliform counts and glucuronidase activity. C:N:P ratios of 13.9:10.7:1 (for the upstream station) and 11.7:9.2:1 (for the downstream stations) of dissolved nutrients are rather low indicating severe carbon limitation of bacterioplankton. Based on our results we conclude that the heterotrophic bacterial community is not significantly effected by the input of treated sewage but faecal contamination is readily detectable over a comparatively long reach of 30 km.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Admiraal, W. & W. Van Zanten, 1988. Impact of biological activity on detritus transported in the lower river Rhine: an exercise in ecosystem analysis. Freshwat. Biol. 20: 215–290.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ammerman, J. W., 1991. Role of Ecto-Phosphohydrolases in Phosphorus Regeneration in Estuarine and Coastal Environments. In R. D. Chrost (ed.), Microbial Enzymes in Aquatic Environments, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1991: 165–183.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barcina, I., I. Arana, J. Iriberri & L. Egea, 1986. Factors affecting the survival of E. coli in a river. Hydrobiologia 141 (Dev. Hydrobiol. 36): 249–253.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berg, J. D. & L. Fiksdal, 1988. Rapid detection of total and fecal coliforms in water by enzymatic hydrolysis of 1202 1119 V 2 4-methylumbelliferone-,β-D-galactosidase. Appl. Envir. Microbiol. 54: 2118–2122.

    Google Scholar 

  • Billen, G., P. Servais & S. Bequevort, 1990. Dynamics of bacterioplankton in oligotrophic and eutrophic aquatic environments: bottom-up or top-down control? Hydrobiologia 207 (Dev. Hydrobiol. 62): 27–32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boon, P.I., 1991. Enzyme Activities in Billabongs of Southeastern Australia. In R. J. Chrost (ed.), Microbial Enzymes in Aquatic Environments, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1991: 286–297.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boon, P. I., 1993. Organic matter degradation and nutrient regeneration in Australian fresh waters: 111. Size fractionation of phosphatase activity. Arch. Hydrbiol. 126: 339–360.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cembella, A. D., N. J. Anita & P. J. Harrison, 1984. The utilization of inorganic and organic phosphorus compounds as nutrients of eucaryotic microalgae: a multidisciplinary perspective. In R. J. Chrost (ed.), Microbial Enzymes in Aquatic Environments. Springer-Verlag, New York: 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chang, G. W. & J. Brill & R. Lum, 1989. Proportion of β-D-Dglucuronidase-negative Escherichia coli in human fecal samples. Appl. envir. Microbiol. 55: 335–339.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chrost, R. J., (ed.) 1991. Microbial enzymes in aquatic environments. New York, 310 pp.

  • Chrost, R. J., U. Münster, H. Rai, D. Albrecht, P. K. Witzel & J. Overbeck, 1989. Photosynthetic production and exoenzymatic degradation of organic matter in the euphotic zone of a eutrophic lake. J. Plankton Res. 11: 223–242.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chrost, R. J. & J. Overbeck, 1987. Kinetics of alkaline phosphatase activity and phosphorus availability for phytoplankton and bacterioplankton in Lake Plußsee (North German eutrophic lake). Microb. Ecol. 13: 229–248.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, D. L., B. B. Milner, M. H. Stewart, R. L. Wolfe & B. H. Olson, 1991. Comparative study of commercial 4-methylumbelliferyl, β-D-glucuronide preparations with the Standard Methods membrane filtration fecal coliform test for detection of Escherichia coli in water samples. Appl. envir. Microbiol. 57: 1528–1534.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cotner, J. B. & R. G. Wetzel, 1991. Bacterial Phosphatases from Different Habitats in a Small Hardwater Lake. In R. D. Chrost (ed.), Microbial Enzymes in Aquatic Environments, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1991: 187–202.

    Google Scholar 

  • Covert, T. C., L. C. Shadix, E. W. Rice, J. R. Haines & R. W. Freyberg, 1989. Evaluation of the autoanalysis Colilert test for detection and enumeration of total coliforms. Appl. envir. Microbiol. 55: 2443–2447.

    Google Scholar 

  • Findlay, S., M. L. Pace, D. Lints, J. J. Cole, N. F. Caraco & B. Peierls, 1991. Weak coupling of bacterial and algal production in a heterotrophic ecosystem: The Hudson River estuary. Limnol. Oceanogr. 36: 268–278.

    Google Scholar 

  • Francko, D. A., Filtration and Buoyant Density Characterization of Algal Alkaline Phosphatase. In R. D. Chrost (ed.). Microbial Enzymes in Aquatic Environments, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1991: 227–238.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedrich, G. & M. Viehweg, 1984. Recent developments of the phytoplankton and its activity in the Lower Rhine. Verh. int. Ver. Limnol. 22: 2029–2035.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fuhrman, J. A. & F. Azam, 1980. Bacterioplankton secondary production estimates for coastal waters of British Columbia, Antarctica and California. Appl. envir. Microbiol. 39: 1085–1095.

    Google Scholar 

  • Giammanco, G., S. Pignato & M. Biondi, 1992. An enzymatic procedure for the confirmation of total coliforms and Escherichia coli enumeration from water. Zbl. Hyg. 193: 99–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldman, J. G., D. A. Caron & M. R. Dennett, 1987. Nutrient cycling in a microflagellate food chain: IV Phytoplanktonmicrofiagellate interactions. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 38: 75–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gonzalez, J. M., J. Iriberri, L. Egea & I. Barcina, 1992. Characterization of culturability, protistan grazing, and death of enteric bacteria in aquatic ecosystems. Appl. envir. Microbiol. 58: 998–1004.

    Google Scholar 

  • Güde, H., B. Haibel & H. Müller, 1985. Development of planktonic bacterial populations in a water column of Lake Constance (Bodensee-Obersee). Arch. Hydrobiol. 105: 59–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Halemejko, G. Z. & R. J. Chrost, 1986. Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteinaceous particulate and dissolved material in an eutrophic lake. Arch. Hydrobiol. 107: 1–21.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoppe, H.-G., 1983. Significance of exoenzymatic activities in the ecology of brackish water: measurements by means of methylumbelliferyl — substrates. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 11: 299–308.

    Google Scholar 

  • Iriberri, J., A. Begona, M. Unanue, I. Barcina & L. Egea, 1993. Channelling of bacterioplanktonic production towards phagotrophic flagellates and ciliates under different seasonal conditions in a river. Microb. Ecol. 26: 111–124.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, S. E. & M. A. Lock, 1993. Seasonal determinations of extracellular hydrolytic activities in heterotrophic and mixed heterotrophiclautotrophic biofilms from two contrasting rivers. Hydrobiologia 257: 1–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jørgensen, N. O. G., 1987. Free amino acids in lakes: concentrations and assimilation rates in relation to phytoplankton and bacterial production. Limnol. Oceanogr. 32: 97–111.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karner, M., D. Fuks & G. J. Herndl, 1992. Bacterial activity along a trophic gradient. Microb. Ecol. 24: 243–257.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kasimir, G. D., 1992. Microbial investigations in the River Danube: Measuring microbial activities and biomass. Arch. Hydrobiol. Suppl. 84: 101–114.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kasimir, G. D. & G. Kavka, 1988. Untersuchung der zählbaren und züchtbaren Bakterien in einem Laufstauökosystem (Donaustau Altenwörth). Wasser and Abwasser 32: 57–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kato, K. & H.-H. Stabel, 1984. Studies on the carbon flux from phyto- to bacterioplankton communities in Lake Constance. Arch. Hydrobiol. 102: 177–192.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kavka, G., 1986. Zur Methodik des Fäkalstreptokokkennachweises in Abwasser und Flußwasser. Wasser and Abwasser 30: 185–203.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kavka, G., 1987. Die bakterielle Wasserbeschaffenheit der Österreichischen Donau. Wasser and Abwasser 31: 305–344.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirchman, D. L., Y. Suzuki, C. Garside & H. W. Ducklow, 1991. High turnover rates of dissolved organic carbon during a spring phytoplankton bloom. Nature 352: 612–614.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kiss, K. T. & S. I. Genkal, 1993. Winter blooms of centric diatoms in the River Danube and its side-arms near Budapest (Hungary). Hydrobiologia 269/270 (Dev. Hydrobiol. 90): 317–325.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leff, L. G., 1994. Stream bacterial ecology: A neglected field? ASM news 60: 135–138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liepolt, R., (ed.) 1967. Die Limnologie der Donau. Schweitzerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Stuttgart.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martinez, J., J. Garcia-Lara & J. Vives-Rego, 1989. Estimation of Escherichia coli mortality in seawater by the decrease in 3H-label and electron transport system activity. Microb. Ecol. 17: 219–225.

    Google Scholar 

  • Münster, U., 1994. Studies on Phosphatase Activities in Humic Lakes. Envir. Int. 20: 49–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Münster, U., J. Nurminen, P. Einiö & J. Overbeck, 1992. Extracellular enzymes in a small polyhumic lake: origin, distribution and activities. Hydrobiologia 243/244 (Dev. Hydrobiol. 79): 47–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olsson, H., 1991. Phosphatase Activity in an Acid, Limed Swedish Lake. In R. D. Chrost (eds), Microbial Enzymes in Aquatic Environments, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1991: 206–218.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parsons, T., Y. Maita & C. Lalli (eds), 1984. A manual for chemical and biological methods for seawater analysis. Oxford, 173 pp.

  • Pettersson, K., 1980. Alkaline phosphatase activity and algal surplus phosphorus as phosphorus deficiency indicator in Lake Erken. Arch. Hyrobiol. 89: 54–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pettibone, G. W., 1992. The use of lauryl tryptose broth containing 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-glucuronide (MUG) to enumerate Escherichia coli from freshwater sediment. Letters in Applies Microbiology 15: 190–192.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pomeroy, L. R. & D. Deibel, 1986. Temperature regulation of bas terial activity during the spring bloom in Newfoundland coasta waters. Science 233: 359–361.

    Google Scholar 

  • Porter, K. G. & Y. S. Feig, 1980. The use of DAPI for identifying and counting aquatic microflora. Limnol. Oceanogr. 25: 943–948.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodinger, W., 1993. Chlorophyllgehalte des Phytoplanktons der Donau in den Jahren 1983–1990. Bericht der Bundesanstalt fair Gewässergüte, Wien 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosso, A. L. & F. Azam, 1987. Proteolytic activity in coastal oceanic waters: depth distribution and relationship to bacterial populations. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 41: 231–240.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scavia, D. & G. A. Laird, 1987. Bacterioplankton in Lake Michigan: dynamics, controls, and significance to carbon flux. Limnol. Oceanogr. 32: 1017–1033.

    Google Scholar 

  • Servais, P. & G. Billen, 1991. Bacterioplankton in the Seine River (France): impact of the Parisian urban effluent. Can. J. Microbiol. 38: 56–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sinasbaugh, R. L. & A. E. Linkins, 1988. Exoenzyme activity associated with lotic epilithon. Freshwat. Biol. 13: 57–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Somville, M., 1984. Measurement and study of substrate specificity of exoglucosidase activity in eutrophic water. Appl. envir. Microbiol. 48: 1181–1185.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sorokin, Y. I. & T. I. Mamaeva, 1991. Role of planktonic bacteria in productivity and cycling of organic matter in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Hydrobiologia 209: 39–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stewart, A. J. & R. G. Wetzel, 1982. Phytoplankton contribution to alkaline phosphatase activity. Arch. Hydrobiol. 93: 265–271.

    Google Scholar 

  • Talling, J. F. & J. Rzoska. 1967. The development of plankton in relation to hydrological regime in the Blue Nile. J. Ecol. 55: 637–662.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tilzer, M. M., U. Gaedke, A. Schweizer, B. Beese & T. Weise, 1991. Interannual variability of phytoplankton productivity and related parameters in Lake Constance: no response to decreased phosphorus loading? J. Plankton Res. 13: 755–777.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vives Rego, J., G. Billen, A. Fontigny & M. Somville, 1985. Free and attached proteolytic activity in water environments. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 21: 245–249.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vrba, J., 1992. Seasonal extracellular enzyme activities in decomposition of polymeric organic matter in a reservoir. Arch. Hydrobiol. Beih. 37: 33–42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wetzel, R. G., 1981. Longterm dissolved and particulate alkaline phosphatase activity in a hardwater lake in relation to lake stability and phosphorus enrichments. Ver. int. Ver. Limnol. 21: 369–381.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiebe, W. J., J. W. M. Sheldon & L. R. Pomeroy, 1992. Bacterial growth in the cold: evidence for an enhanced substrate requirement. Appl. envir. Microbiol. 58: 359–364.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wynne, D., B. Kaplan & T. Berman, 1991. Phosphatase Activities in Lake Kinneret Phytoplankton. In R. D. Chrost (ed.), Microbial Enzymes in Aquatic Environments, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1991: 220–225.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Zoology, University of Vienna, Althanstr 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria

    Birgit Hoch, Barbara Berger & Gerhard J. Herndl

  2. Federal Institute of Water Quality, Schiffmühlenstr. 120, A-1220, Vienna, Austria

    Gerhard Kavka

Authors
  1. Birgit Hoch
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Barbara Berger
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Gerhard Kavka
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Gerhard J. Herndl
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hoch, B., Berger, B., Kavka, G. et al. Influence of wastewater treatment on the microbial ecology of a large, temperate river system — the Danube River. Hydrobiologia 321, 205–218 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00143751

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00143751

Key words

Search

Navigation