Journal Article

Calcification types of Oocardium stratum Naegeli and microhabitat conditions in springs of the Alps

Sanders, Diethard, Cantonati, Marco, Hotzy, Ralf, Rott, Eugen

2012

Overview

Habitat conditions and spring-associated limestones (SALs) formed by ambient precipitation with the biotic contribution of the desmid Oocardium stratum Naegeli 1843 (Zygnematophyceae) were studied in 5 springs along a north-south transect across the central Eastern European Alps. Spring waters were characterized by permanent flow and temporally almost stable physicochemical conditions, but variable relationships among major ions (especially HCO3-:SO42- and Ca2+:Mg2+) among sites. In most cases, CO2 supersaturation (0.2-1.8 mu M/L) caused in situ depression of pH from near equilibrium (8.3) to <8, with a minimum pH of 7.1. SAL areas dominated by Oocardium growth were greatest some distance downstream of the spring origin where degassing of excess CO2 had occurred and pH had risen to >8.1. The calcified segments of spring streams were limited to areas <300 m from the spring mouth. Within the uppermost segment of larger rheocrenes (CO sub(2) supersaturated areas), extensive weakly calcified bryophyte crops (Eucladium verticillatum, were replaced further downstream by 100-1000 mu m) whose ultrastructural features were best seen with SEM. The distribution of SAL types within and among sites was evaluated in relation to water-chemistry and additional environmental variables. The findings were compared with earlier records from the Alps and other mountain areas of Europe (in particular, Croatia and UK) to facilitate recognition and delimitation of

• Subject: Eucladium / Freshwater / Oocardium / Zygnematophyceae