RADIOPHOSPHORUS METABOLISM IN ZOOPLANKTON AND MICROORGANISMS

Abstract

The exchange of radiophosphonis between water on the one hand and Artemia, Gammarus, and microorganisms on the other was observed. Results are expressed as turnover time, which is related to the rate at which phosphorus moves back and forth, being defined as the time required for as much material as is present to enter or leave a phase of the system. T_t for Arlemia is 14 hours; for Gammarus 43 hours; the equilibrium between organic and inorganic phosphorus in the presence of microorganisms has a T_t of 19 hours. In Gammarus there is a lag period of a few hours before they reach a maximal uptake rate. Gammarus, treated with terramycin to kill bacteria, do not remove appreciable quantities of radiophosphorus from water. Evidently they must acquire their phosphorus from particulate matter, such as bacteria.