Studies of Nitrifying Microorganisms of the Eden Estuary, Scotland

Sediments from the Eden estuary on the east coast of Scotland were examined for the presence of nitrifying bacteria using a MPN technique, selective media, and N-Serve, an inhibitor of autotrophic nitrification. Both autotrophic and heterotrophic nitrifiers were found. Autotrophic forms were always more abundant and more active than heterotrophic forms. Evidence was obtained that certain of the autotrophic nitrifiers may have been of terrestrial or freshwater origin and that certain of the heterotrophic isolates were truly marine