). These results show that the dominant
periphyton species changed from autotrophic organisms (i.e. algae)
to heterotrophs to adapt to the contaminated conditions. The ability
of microorganisms to utilize amines and amino acids increased
in the periphyton compared to the control (Fig. 5d), suggesting
that the proportion of heterotrophs in the periphyton increased
gradually [41].
3.5. Mechanism used in heavy metal removal by periphyton
Microbial metabolism activity based on the utilization of carbon
sources is usually characterized by average well-color development