ASB Microbiology -- Microbiology Supplement
This supplement contains brief descriptions and photomicrographs of many of the common microorganisms found in pulp and paper mill ASBs. To go to a specific type of microorganism select it from the table below.
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Amoebae Amoebae belong to the family Sarcodina and range in size from 10 um to 3 mm. They are unique in that they have no definite or permanent shape. Although none of the protozoa have rigid cell walls, most maintain a particular characteristic form. This is not true for the amoebae. They continually change from round to oval to very irregular shapes with protrusions periodically extending from the main cell mass and then being withdrawn. They move by use of finger-like projections called pseudopodia (false feet.) Bare (naked) amoebae have no hard shell and often occur in large numbers during the startup phase of a plant or under high loading conditions. Testate amoebae produce a protective shell, or testa. Different substances are used for the shell depending upon the species. In any case, the cell itself is still amoebae-like and thrusts its pseudopodia out through openings in the shell in order to move and search for food.Testate amoebae are more likely to be found in lightly loaded plants. |
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