Technical Bulletin No. 0132: Minutes of Meeting on Slime Infestations in Streams

Because of the increasing attention being given to nuisance growths in streams receiving effluents containing organic matter, and the relatively large amount of research on this problem being conducted both in the United States and abroad, the National Council, on May 24, 1960, sponsored a meeting of some of those engaged in such studies in this country. This was the second such meeting and was arranged at the request of participants in the first meeting held on October 3, 1957. The purpose of the meeting was to evaluate progress and developments which have occurred during the interim period. A review of the proceedings is attached.   The most important development reported was the results of increased experience with intermittent waste discharge as a means of controlling slime growth. Information presented by representatives of two pulp mills indicates that, under the receiving stream conditions prevailing at these mills, intermittent discharge appeared to be a promising control measure. In addition to the studies immediately concerned with developing control measures, a wealth of data has been accumulated In the past two years on the physiology, nutrition, and growth characteristics of slime organisms. It is hoped that this basic work will suggest new and better methods of control.