Vorticella: Under The Microscope Video
The Vorticella is a Ciliated Paramecium. It is generally a predator, feeding on bacteria. In this video you can see the Vorticella using it’s cilia to sweep food particles into it’s gullet. There are more than 16 species. They mainly live in freshwater ponds and streams. You will find many vorticella in organic aquaponic/hydroponic growing systems as well because the water current delivers the bacteria directly to them. They are not usually free swimmers. They prefer to anchor themselves to particles in their aquatic habitat. As filter-feeding ciliates, they are used to clarify sewage in waste water treatment plants. They are also used as a bio-indicator for evaluating the level of pollution in waterways.
Kennie D is the author of this post.
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Awesome!
Thanks Dmac, I was wondering when you where going to check in. Happy New Year!
It’d be great to have a little video or written piece from you about how these (and other) critters fit within the bigger picture of soil and fertility.
Question: “They are also used as a bio-indicator for evaluating the level of pollution in waterways” — how so?
Amazing ……..
Hi dmac, One example of microorganisms being used as bio-indicators can be found in this CDC News article related to the BP oil spill. “EPA tested on shrimp and fish” http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/bp-oil-spill-cleanup-toxic-to-key-species-1.1254990
Also: http://www.news.gatech.edu/2012/11/30/gulf-mexico-clean-makes-2010-spill-52-times-more-toxic