Detritus in lake tahoe: structural modification by attached microflora

Abstract

Readily identifiable groups of microorganisms present on nonliving particulate organic matter (detritus) in the upper waters of Lake Tahoe are attached in specific ways and appear responsible for detrital aggregation. This microflora is associated with active heterotrophic metabolism, but deeper waters possess little detrital microflora and little heterotrophic activity.