Abstract: | Population densities of primarily iron precipitating heterotrophs (metal-precipitating non oxidizing bacteria) were estimated in water and sediments of ponds being used for polyculture, monoculture and traditional systems of fish farming over a period of two and a half years. Spatial differences in microbial density in the ponds were related to the organic loading of the farm site and the type of farming. The highest bacterial populations occurred in November and the lowest in summer. Nitrite concentration was mainly responsible for such seasonal changes. |