Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Βιολογική ΩκεανογραφίαLibrary of the School of Science
Author:
Politi Artemis-Apelia
Supervisors info:
Αθηνά Οικονόμου-Αμίλλη, Ομότιμη Καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Βιολογίας, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Η Μικροχλωρίδα των Πηγών της Αιδηψού και η Συμβολή της στη Διαμόρφωση του Γεωλογικού Υποστρώματος (Θερμογενείς Τραβερτίνες)
Translated title:
The Microflora of the Edipsos Thermal Springs and its Contribution to the Geological Substrate (Thermogenic Travertine)
Summary:
The present study deals with the investigation of biodiversity of cyanobacteria, i.e. known pioneer organisms, and the contribution of cyanobacterial microflora to the formation of thermogenic travertine deposits (bio-mineralization processes) in seven (7) hot springs in the northern Euboea Island.
Specifically, the cyanobacterial biodiversity has been identified microscopically by means of photonic (LM) and electron microscopy (SEM) both in natural samples (fixed in formaldehyde solution) and in cultured material (using various nutrient media). A mineralogical study using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microscopy (SEM) in the thermogenic travertine deposits followed. The obtained results have been combined with hydrochemical water analysis conducted by the Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploration (I.G.M.E.). A statistical analysis and correlation of the data obtained from the above analysis was carried out.
One hundred and three (103) taxa of cyanobacteria were identified, among them first records for Greece and/or Europe. Also, 46 taxa were identified as pioneer organisms, most of them belonging to filamentous cyanobacteria.
Through the SEM study, bio-mineralization processes were ascertained which are thought to contribute to the formation and degradation of thermogenic travertine deposits.
The results of this study represent fundamental information for further study on bio-mineralization processes of travertine as well as for further clarification of the taxonomy of cyanobacteria through supplementary molecular analysis of the taxa involved.
Main subject category:
Science
Other subject categories:
Geology
Chemistry
Biology
Keywords:
cyanobacteria, thermal springs, thermogenic travertines, bio-mineralization, pioneer organisms
Number of references:
127
