Ciliated Protozoa in marine pollution studies. A conspectus.
The ecological role of the marine ciliates is discussed with reference to the interaction of this group with contaminants. While the ciliates may be of some value in routine screening of potential toxins, simple laboratory bioassays are unlikely to be of predictive value in assessing threats to the marine environment. There is some evidence that ciliates may take part in the transfer and transformation of potential pollutants. Further field and laboratory studies are required in order to identify and quantify the role of ciliates in these processes.
D000818:Animals; D001681:Biological Assay; D016798:Ciliophora / Q000187:drug effects*; D012623:Seawater; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000633:toxicity*
D014873:Water Pollutants; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical