POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CYANOBACTERIA OF THERAPEUTIC MUD

Aim. Determination of Cyanobacteria species composition in the Tuzlukkol River part with mud and brine and identification of potentially dangerous representatives of this group of microorganisms. Materials and methods. 270 samples were analyzed (135 of them - quantitatively), selected in the spring-autumn periods 2012-2017 in accordance with generally accepted methods. Identification of cyanobacteria was carried out according to the algae identification guides of domestic and foreign authors, the chamber of Najotta with a volume of 0.01 cm³ was used to calculate the algae quantity. The algae biomass was calculated taking into account the volume of the cells. Results. 25 species, varieties and forms of Cyanobacteria have been identified. Four genera (Anabaena, Oscillatoria, Nodularia and Lyngbya) were potentially capable to produce hepato-, neuro- and dermatotoxins. In some periods the total number of cyanobacteria exceeded almost 5 times the standard recommended by WHO in bathing waters. Conclusion. The results of the study demonstrate the necessity of Cyanobacteria monitoring (species composition and quantity) to prove the mud safety for people health during balneotherapy.

Cyanobacteria, Cyanobacteria, toxins, autotrophic microorganisms, salinity