Use of endocommensal molluscan ciliated protozoa as indicators of water quality and pollution in Illinois waters

Small, Eugene B.; Antipa, Gregory A.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/90984 Copy

Description

Title

Use of endocommensal molluscan ciliated protozoa as indicators of water quality and pollution in Illinois waters

Author(s)

• Small, Eugene B.
• Antipa, Gregory A.

Contributor(s)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Issue Date

1967-09

Keyword(s)

• Water resource development--Illinois
• Water resource development
• Water quality
• Unionid bivalves
• Central Illinois
• Ciliate protozoan infections

Geographic Coverage

Illinois (state)

Abstract

Fifteen species of unionid bivalves from seventeen localities in Central Illinois were carefully examined for ciliate protozoan infections. Many ciliates appeared occasionally, but the thigmotrich ciliates Conchophthirus and Heterocinetopsis unionidarum appeared abundantly and consistently. New observations on the morphology of Conchophthirus and their ultimate effect upon speciation within the genus are to be developed further by the junior author. H. unionidarum was found abundantly at one location. Although Conchophthirus and Heterocinetopsis were the only thigmotrichs uncovered in this study, the isolation of Heterocinetopsis suggests that other thigmotrich ciliates may also be found in Illinois. The ciliates Conchophthirus and Heterocinetopsis were tested for their ability to react as very delicate indicators of water quality. This was accomplished by planting infected bivalves in areas of known pollution in the Salt Fork Vermilion River dra.ina.ge system. At intervals after planting, individuals were recovered and carefully examined for the relative abundance of Conchophthirus and Heterocinetopsis. The preliminary results suggest that Heterocinetopsis may be the most critical indicator of biological pollution currently available for Illinois waters.

Publisher

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Water Resources Center

Type of Resource

text

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/90984

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

• U.S. Department of the Interior
• U.S. Geological Survey

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 1967 held by Eugene B. Small, Gregory A. Antipa

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