The species diversity of diatom algae of mezophytopsammon in three areas of the north-western part of the Black Sea (Kinburn, Karolino-Bugaz, Budakskaya sand-spits) has been studied. 51 taxa (ranged below genus) of Bacillariophyta from 26 genera were identified. First for north-western part of the Black Sea 5 species were revealed and for the Budakskyi liman – 1 species. Most of found species (17) are motile (epipelic), and only 4 species are attached to the sand grains (epipsammic). With respect to the salinity the diatoms were equally represented by polyhalobes (35%), mezohalobes (35%) and oligohalobes (31%). The greatest number of species was represented by alkaliphilic (88%). High abundance of diatom algae from mezophytopsammon (up to 12 million cells per cm2) indicates its high role in productive processes of coastal ecosystems of the Black Sea.
Keywords: Bacillariophyta, sand spits, Black Sea, mezophytopsammon, epipelic, epipsammic algae
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