EN
Metabolic activity of heterotrophic bacteria isolated from lakes Stęgwica, Jeziorak and Jasne were investigated. A humic substances of commercial preparation by Aldrich-Chemie, as well as natural humic substances, fulvic and humin acids isolated from lake Stegwica were used as a source of energy. The results indicate that 70-80% of bacteria strains are able to utilise the humus matter. The greatest metabolic activity was recorded in bacteria which were supported by natural humic substances isolated from lake Stęgwica; whereas the lowest was noted in the presence of humin acids.