DISTRIBUTION OF CYANOBACTERIA IN TWO SIRCH HOT SPRINGS WITH REGARDS TO THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL TRAITS OF WATER

Abstract

Cyanobacteria live in diverse ecosystems including hot springs. Life in hot spring condition is like the Earth's beginning conditions in which cyanobacteria emerged. In the present study, cyanobacterial flora of two hot springs located in Kerman, Iran was investigated for the first time. After sample collection, species were identified based on their morphological traits. To understand the fundamental patterns of species distribution, Physico-chemical environmental factors and species frequency were measured using standard methods and thereafter Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) of species frequency and environmental factors was carried out by Canoco program. Twenty one cyanobacteria were identified. Results showed an ordered distribution of the species along the environmental factors. Results also showed the presence of mesothermophilous and facultative thermophile cyanobacteria in types of unicellular and filamentous in the two studied springs. Results also suggest that some species are adapted and resistant forms to sulfide. Diazotrophic strains were found to align in lowest compound nitrogen level, where others were removed from competition.