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Related Concept Videos

Overview of Protists01:27

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Protists are diverse eukaryotic microorganisms that lack the specialized tissues of plants and animals and the chitinous cell walls of fungi. Their early divergence within Eukarya resulted in structural, functional, and ecological diversity. They are classified into supergroups such as Archaeplastida, Excavata, Amoebozoa, Rhizaria, Alveolata, and Stramenopiles, determined through genetic analysis and structural similarities.Structural and Functional AdaptationsProtists have various adaptations...
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Diversity of Protists I01:15

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Excavata is a diverse group of protists that includes both chemoorganotrophic and phototrophic species, with some thriving in anaerobic environments. Among the key groups within Excavata are diplomonads and parabasalids, which are flagellated protists that lack mitochondria and chloroplasts. These microorganisms typically inhabit anoxic environments, such as the intestines of animals, where they exist either symbiotically or as parasites, relying on fermentation for energy production. Some...
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Diversity of Protists II01:27

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Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
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Diversity of Protists III01:27

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Rhizaria are a diverse group of unicellular protists characterized by their threadlike cytoplasmic extensions known as pseudopodia. These structures aid in both locomotion and feeding, giving Rhizaria an amoeboid appearance. Their amoeboid morphology once led to taxonomic confusion, but molecular phylogenetics has clarified their evolutionary placement and emphasized their shared use of pseudopodia despite divergent lineages.This clade comprises diverse lineages such as Chlorarachniophyta,...
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Diversity of Protists IV01:27

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Amoebozoa represent a diverse group of terrestrial and aquatic protists that utilize lobe-shaped pseudopodia for locomotion and feeding. This characteristic differentiates them from the Rhizaria, which possess threadlike pseudopodia. The primary classifications within Amoebozoa include gymnamoebas, entamoebas, and the plasmodial and cellular slime molds. Phylogenetic evidence indicates that Amoebozoa diverged from a lineage that ultimately gave rise to fungi and animals.Gymnamoebas and...
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Methods to Assess Microbial Populations01:30

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Assessing microbial populations is crucial for understanding microbial roles in health, ecology, and industry. Various complementary techniques—both culture-based and molecular—enable detailed analysis of microbial abundance, diversity, and function.Viable Plate CountThe viable plate count is a traditional culture-based method used to estimate the number of living microbes in a sample. After serial dilution, the sample is spread onto nutrient agar plates. Each viable cell forms a...
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Morphology and ontogenesis of two new Hemiholosticha species (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia, Hemiholostichidae nov. fam.).

European journal of protistology·2020
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A detailed description of a Brazilian Holophrya teres (Ehrenberg, 1834) and nomenclatural revision of the genus Holophrya (Ciliophora, Prostomatida).

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A huge diversity of metopids (Ciliophora, Armophorea) in soil from the Murray River floodplain, Australia. III. Morphology, ontogenesis and conjugation of Metopus boletus nov. spec., with implications for the phylogeny of the SAL supercluster.

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Re-analysis of the 18S rRNA gene phylogeny of the ciliate class Colpodea.

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A Proposed Timescale for the Evolution of Armophorean Ciliates: Clevelandellids Diversify More Rapidly Than Metopids.

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Corrigendum: "Morphology and Ontogenesis of Psilotrichides hawaiiensis nov. gen., nov. spec. and Molecular Phylogeny of the Psilotrichidae (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia)" by Heber et al. 2014.

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Protists as bioindicators in activated sludge: Identification, ecology and future needs.

Wilhelm Foissner1

  • 1University of Salzburg, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria.

European Journal of Protistology
|April 11, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Protists are key indicators in wastewater treatment, signaling plant performance and water quality. Developing molecular identification kits will enhance their role in monitoring and improving treatment processes.

Keywords:
Activated sludgeCiliatesMetacystis mucosa n. sp.Phialina serranoi n. sp.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Aquatic ecology
  • Wastewater treatment technology

Background:

  • Protists have long been recognized as valuable indicators in activated sludge processes.
  • Early studies highlighted the importance of ciliates for clear effluent, but species identification remains a challenge.
  • Effective monitoring of protist communities is crucial for preventing operational issues like sludge foaming and bulking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compile and present data on protist communities and species as indicators of wastewater treatment plant performance.
  • To highlight the role of protists in both activated sludge and receiving environmental waters.
  • To advocate for the development of molecular identification kits to improve protist bioindication.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and compilation of data on protist bioindication in activated sludge.
  • Development of a table summarizing indicator communities and species for different performance levels.
  • Description of two newly identified protist species found in activated sludge habitats.

Main Results:

  • Protists indicate performance across a spectrum from good to poor, with specific species linked to sludge loading and nitrification conditions.
  • Continuous monitoring of protists can prevent operational problems and reduce oxygenation costs.
  • Investigation of riverine protists provides insight into the long-term efficacy of sewage works.
  • Two new species, Metacystis and Phialina, were described, highlighting the unique biodiversity in activated sludge.

Conclusions:

  • Protist bioindication is a powerful tool for optimizing wastewater treatment plant operation and environmental monitoring.
  • Advancements in species identification, particularly through molecular methods, are essential for realizing the full potential of protistology in wastewater management.
  • Further research into activated sludge protist communities can uncover novel species and improve our understanding of these unique ecosystems.