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Abstract
Structural factors of the microbial community of a percolating filter have been investigated. The presence of some ciliate species has been related to physico‐chemical and plant operational variables by means of ordination procedures. In an 87‐d study period, large variations in density of some species were observed. A limited number of environmental parameters strongly affect ciliate community composition. Major structural factors are sloughed biofilm wasting and nitrogen loading: both induce disturbance and make the community revert to a less mature phase. Moderate disturbance episodes reduce the effectiveness of competitive mechanisms.