Diversity of Thermophilic Cyanobacteria in Maragheh Mineral Springs and Variable Environmental Factors

Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae are photosynthetic microorganisms, found in several habitats. Hot springs are considered as extreme habitats with “sub-cosmopolitan” geographical distribution, the biodiversity of which is unique due to their special conditions. Over the last century, these natural inhabitants have attracted the attention of biologists and tourists. In the present study, cyanobacteria were collected and identified from five hot and mineral springs located in East Azarbaijan province, Maragheh city during 2019. In this regard, the spring water was analyzed physic-chemically, the effect of some environmental parameters on algal communities was assessed, and the samples were fixed in 4% formaldehyde solution. Based on the results, 30 species were detected, which the highest and least diversity of cyanobacteria were respectively observed in Isty Bulakh (15 species) and Ghare Palchigh spring. In addition, Phormidium sp. possessed the maximum diversity among all of the identified taxa. Finally, environmental factors such as total dissolved solids (TDS) and turbidity were determined among the factors affecting biodiversity.