The elemental composition of Nostoc commune (Cyanoprokaryota) from the Baikal region

Abstract

We have established concentrations of 32 elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Sc, Sr, Ti, V, W, Y, Zn) in the thalloms of the terrestrial algae Nostoc commune from the Baikal region, functioning in the meadow steppe on sod-carbonate soil. Nostoc commune is a widespread species in terrestrial ecosystems, capable of oxygenic photosynthesis and fixation of atmospheric nitrogen. The concentrations of elements in the Nostoc commune from the Baikal region according to the degree of reduction are presented in the following series: Al > Ca > Mg > K > Fe > P > S > Ti > Na > Ba > Sr > Mn > Cr > Zn > V > Li > Ni > Ce > Cu > La > Bi > Sb > W >Y > Pb > Sc > Co > As > Mo > Ag > Be > Cd. High correlations between the content of Ca, Mg, K in the soil and thalloms of the species were revealed.