Microbiological Studies of Aquatic Habitats of the Area of Inuvik, Northwest Territories

Abstract

Results of chemical analyses and bacterial counts of waters in eight lakes and the Mackenzie River at Inuvik, show a uniform chemical composition throughout the ice-free period (Jun-Aug), an increase in psychrophilic and mesophilic bacteria, and low counts of thermophilic bacteria and molds. Water supplied to Inuvik from the Mackenzie River, has been pumped into Hidden Lake during freeze-up, allowed to settle, then filtered and chlorinated. This system is described and problems of circulation and sewage disposal noted, with tabulated data on microbial and chemical properties of the sewage lagoons.