Bacteriological studies of the water, soil and plants of the wetland near Olsztyn

This manuscript presents the results of investigations into the degree of bacterial contamination of water, soil, submerged in water and aerial leaves and stems of sedge (Carex acutiformis) as well as dead and live roots of this plant. Analyses were carried out in 2 subsequent annual cycles (in 1993 and 1994) in the area of one of greater wetlands located in the vicinity of the Stary Dwor forester’s lodge near Olsztyn. Water was examined at 3 stations, whereas soil and plants at 2 stations. In most of the water samples, the total bacteria count on broth agar at a temp. of 22°C and 37°C was within the range specifi ed for pure and/or negligibly contaminated waters. The number of coli group bacteria and that of fecal coli group bacteria was also within the range accepted for waters, in most of the samples, and was classifi ed as having a “very good” and “good” purity state. On the submerged and aerial parts of sedge as well as its roots, higher numbers were reported only for bacteria determined on broth agar at a temp. of 22°C. The numbers of bacteria determined on broth agar at a temp. of 37°C and bacteria indicative of the sanitary state did not exceed 4.4 × 105 CFU·GDW-1 and 126–263 MPN· GDW-1, respectively. In soil of the root system of sedge, the numbers of bacteria determined on broth agar at a temp. of 22°C and 37°C, and those of bacteria indicative of the sanitary state, reached higher values only sporadically. The latter often were not determined in the soil mass examined. The same tendency refers also to the numbers of the examined groups of indicative bacteria in young (the current year’s) and older (the previous year’s) roots of sedge. Often, higher numbers of the bacteria indicative of contamination degree and sanitary state in water, soil and particular fragments of lesser pond sedge occurred during or after spring thaw and in the summer after stormy precipitation, and less frequently in the autumn.