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Title

Algal Diversity in Biological Soil Crusts of Qom Province (Qom, Iran): Insights into Microflora Composition and Environmental Impac.

Authors

Bafian, Zahara Bagheri; Salehipour_Bavarsad, Forough; Riahi, Hossein; Shariatmadari, Zeinab

Abstract

Biological soil crusts (BSCs) result from the close association between soil particles and various microorganisms, including cyanobacteria, green microalgae, and free- living fungi. In this study, we investigated the BSC microflora in soil samples collected from four sites in Qom Province, a semi-arid region in Iran. The study stations included agricultural areas, farms irrigated with saline water, and the edge of Hoz-e-Soltan Lake, a saline water lake. To study algal communities, all soil samples were cultivated in four different culture media including BG11, BG11 with 1.5 M NaCl, nitrate-free BG11 medium (BG110), and BG110 with 1.5 M NaCl. We isolated and identified 37 morphospecies of algae. Cyanobacteria, such as Phormidium and Pseudanabaena, were dominant genera at most stations. Additionally, green algae and diatoms were present in the studied sites. Our results revealed that algal diversity in BSCs depends on soil physio- chemical characteristics of the soil. For example, Phormidium was the dominant genus in all agricultural soils, while in saline soils, the genus Dunaliella was reported as the dominant taxon. Therefore, salinity plays a crucial role in shaping species distribution and diversity in these ecosystems.

Subjects

SOIL biodiversity; CRUST vegetation; SOIL salinity; AGRICULTURE; SALT lakes

Publication

Plant, Algae & Environment / Journal of Phycological Research, 2024, Vol 8, Issue 1, p1243

ISSN

2588-6991

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.48308/jpr.2024.235399.1076

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