Earthworm and Algae Species in a Trickling Filter
K. Dölle *
Department of Paper and Bioprocess Engineering (PBE), College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), State University of New York (SUNY), Syracuse, New York, 13210, USA
C. Peluso
Department of Paper and Bioprocess Engineering (PBE), College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), State University of New York (SUNY), Syracuse, New York, 13210, USA
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A trickling filter at a Waste Water Treatment Facility in the Village of Minoa in Central New York State represents an entire ecological community with different algae during the spring, summer, fall and winter months. The algae types present are identified as Cladophora glomerata and a moss-like species of the genus Vaucheria. Earthworm species Eiseniella tetraedra and Dedrodrilus rubidus are found living in the algae and using the algae as a habitat.
A stable isotope analyses was used to investigate the relationship between the worms and the algae. The analyses showed no relationship between the algae and worms growing on the trickling filter, but rather a direct relationship between the worms and wastewater.
Keywords: Algae, earthworm, stable isotope, trickling filter