Abstract: This paper describes nine species of free-living protozoa found in various types offreshwaters and industrial wastewaters in Lanzhou, northwest China. Enchelyomorpha vermicularis is a new record to China. Eight rare protozoa, including caenomorphamedusula, Mastigmocba reptans Bursaridium difficile,Epalxella exigua, Teuthoprys trisulica,Lembadion bullinun,Pleuronema cornatum, and Astylozoon fallax were first reported in thesearea. Descriptions were made on the characteristics, habi tats and taxanomic positions ofeach species,and their roles as indicators of water pollution.