This study investigated the influence of light availability and water composition on biofilm growth. To this end, the formation of an epipsammic biofilm on riverbed sediments was monitored during 21 days. Experiments were carried out in two specifically designed experimental channels: channel 1 fed with river water and channel 2 with nutrient-enriched input. Each channel was divided into three sections receiving different light intensities. Total and biologically active organic carbon (BAOC), chlorophyll a and b, total carotenoids, soluble carbohydrates (SC), proteins, phosphatase, and bioavailable phosphorous were determined in sediment samples. In channel 1, fed with river water, a positive effect of light availability on chlorophyll a, total carotenoids, total and BAOC, crude proteins, and phosphatase activity was observed throughout the experiment. In channel 2, addition of the nutrients increased the concentrations of chlorophyll a, SC, and proteins, in comparison with the sections receiving the same light in channel 1. These properties also increased with light availability. This study demonstrated that epipsammic biofilm formation in mesocosm conditions depends on light availability and overlying water composition. Designed experimental fluvial channels fed only with river water can be employed to obtain epipsammic biofilm for use in environmental and biotechnological experiments, thus avoiding the affectation of competitor aninons or high ionic strength due to the presence of supplementary nutrients.
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