[Electron microscopic study of the pond microflora of the Amu-Dar'ia River delta]

Bacterial forms were studied by electron microscopy in weakly saline lakes of the mesotrophic type in the Amu Darya delta; these forms differed in the character of water nutrition, certain physico-chemical and biological properties. The main population in the lakes represented by Vibrio and rods among which many small forms (0.3--0.5 mu) were found. Long filamentous forms were often encountered. A considerable number of organisms possessed prosthecae, fimbria and various protrustions. Budding bacteria were also detected. Microorganisms with peculiar morphology were most abundant in such places where the total incidence of bacteria was 1x10(6) per litre while water transparency was low.