Algal extremophile community persistence from hot springs national park (Arkansas, U.S.A.)
International Journal on Algae
Algae have been observed in many different extreme environments especially in thermal springs. On June 16th, 2006, we conducted an algal taxonomic survey from Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas. We sampled algal mats and plankton at 2 different springs and 3 fountains near the Visitor Center along Bathhouse row. The spring's temperatures ranged from 38 to 57 oC and higher temperatures were correlated (p < 0.05) to lower species numbers observed at the sampling sites. We identified 45 algal species with Cyanoprokaryotes (cyanobacteria) having 29 species (64.4% of the total) and diatoms had 16 species (45.6% of the total). The algal mat biomass was dominated by Anabeana variablilis (80%) and Hapalosiphon major (10%). Diatoms were only observed in two springs at lower temperature sites (< 40 oC) and epiphytically on mosses.
Biological and Environmental Sciences
Smith, T., Manoylov, K.M., & Packard, A. (2013). Algal extremophile community persistence from hot springs national park (Arkansas, U.S.A.). International Journal on Algae, 15(1), 65-76.