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Saprobe System

 

Saprobes: living organisms in waterways containing putrefactive substances such as worms, bacteria, fungi and algae. A system for the determination of the quality of water. From the colonization of a waterway by certain saprobes, it is possible to draw conclusion about the quality of ist water. The saprobe system according to Kollwitz and Marsson comprises a four-stage classification system:

 

  • Oligosaprobe: unpolluted or slightly polluted
  • Beta-mesosaprobe: moderately polluted
  • Alpha-mesosaprobe: highly contaminated
  • Polysaprobe: excessively contaminated