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Science of Water : Concepts and Applications

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<strong>Water</strong> Biology 135<br />

Protozoa consume organics to survive; their favorite food is bacteria. Protozoa are mostly aerobic<br />

or facultative in regard to oxygen requirements. Toxic materials, pH, <strong>and</strong> temperature affect<br />

protozoan rates <strong>of</strong> growth in the same way as they affect bacteria.<br />

Most protozoan life cycles alternate between an active growth phase (trophozoites) <strong>and</strong> a resting<br />

stage (cysts). Cysts are extremely resistant structures that protect the organism from destruction<br />

when it encounters harsh environmental conditions—including chlorination.<br />

√ Note: Those protozoans not completely resistant to chlorination require higher disinfectant<br />

concentrations <strong>and</strong> longer contact time for disinfection than normally used in water<br />

treatment.<br />

The three protozoans <strong>and</strong> the waterborne diseases associated with them <strong>of</strong> most concern to the<br />

waterworks operator are<br />

•<br />

•<br />

•<br />

Giardia lamblia ⎯Cyst, form Giardia lamblia⎯Trophozoite, form<br />

Flagellate<br />

Amoeba Free-swimming<br />

Ciliate<br />

FIGURE 5.5 Protozoa.<br />

Suctoria Stalked⎯Ciliate<br />

Entamoeba histolytica—amebic dysentery<br />

G. lamblia—giardiasis<br />

Cryptosporidium—cryptosporidiosis

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