Abstract
The effect of temperature and salinity on numbers of luminescent bacteria present in waters of the Mystic (Conn.) River estuary was evaluated. Counts decreased with decreasing salinity; none were detected at freshwater stations. A population maximum of 35 per ml was noted at the highest salinity station (30±2‰). Highest counts were observed during winter and spring and lowest numbers occurred during summer and fall months. Isolates (111) were identified and compared with previously-described luminescent bacteria; i.e.,Beneckea (Vibrio) harveyi, Photobacterium (V.) fischeri, P. phosphoreum, andP. leiognathi. All species were isolated but distinct seasonal differences were noted.P. (V.) fischeri andB. (V.) harveyi represented 93% of the luminous population on an annual basis. Only the former was found during the period December through March (highest count 7 per ml) whileB. (V.) harveyi was the dominant species noted between May and October (maximum count 11 per ml).P. leiognathi andP. phosphoreum were found only during July and August as 7% of the total luminous population. All isolates grew at NaCl concentrations between 6 and 30‰; none grew below 6‰
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Contribution No. 166 from the University of Connecticut Marine Research Laboratory, Noank, Connecticut 06340.
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Feldman, K.A., Buck, J.D. Distribution and characterization of luminescent bacteria in a temperate estuary. Estuaries 7, 93–97 (1984). https://doi.org/10.2307/1351959
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1351959