Spatial distribution of cyanobacteria and algae from the tombstone in a historic cemetery in Bratislava, Slovakia

Abstract

This study focuses on species composition and spatial distribution of cyanobacterial and algal communities colonizing the surface of the tombstone. Ecological and taxonomical data were used for evaluation of changes in their vertical distribution. A total of 25 taxa were identified, 13 of them belonging to chlorophytes, 12 to other groups of algae and cyanobacteria; in addition four mosses and one liverwort occurred at 17 sampling sites. Three species, Klebsormidium crenulatum, Desmococcus olivaceus and Stichococcus bacillaris, were found as the most abundant taxa. The aeroplanctonic species Desmococcus olivaceus, Stichococcus bacillaris and Klebsormidium crenulatum were detected from the air-fall. Investigated microhabitats offer relatively stabile microclimatic conditions and, likely, they are responsible for the observed vertical distribution of cyanobacteria and algae. Humidity was the main microclimatic factor influencing diversity, distribution and abundance of algae on investigated terrestrial substrate. © Czech Phycological Society.