Seasonal and areal accumulation of heavy metals by algae and cyanobacteria in Javorinka mountain stream

  • J. Tuchyňa Institute of High Mountain Biology, Žilina University, Tatranská Javorina 7, SK-059 56, Slovak Republic
Keywords: algae, cyanobacteria, accumulation of elements, seasonality, mountain stream

Abstract

In this study we have compared concentrations of accumulated elements in algae and cyanobacteria from different localities over several years and throughout the seasons. We collected chrysophyceae Hydrurus foetidus and cyanobacteria Oscillatoria sp. in Javorinka mountain stream over three years (2019 - 2021). A comparison of the concentrations collected from two localities showed that Ba, Fe, Mn and Ti are being accumulated at almost double the rate at the site with lower stream velocity. Depending on the year, we have observed a significant increase in Ca concentrations. We also examined the trend of intense uptake of these elements by algae and cyanobacteria during the summer season, due to the growth of reproductive organs during this season. Analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05). It has been confirmed that algae and cyanobacteria can be used as bioindicators of spatial and seasonal pollution and element concentration variations.

Published
2022-07-29
How to Cite
Tuchyňa, J. (2022). Seasonal and areal accumulation of heavy metals by algae and cyanobacteria in Javorinka mountain stream. Oecologia Montana, 31(1), 1-12. Retrieved from https://om.vuvb.uniza.sk/index.php/OM/article/view/354
Section
Standard articles