Microphytic algae in the pathology of the cetaceans
Birkun, A.A.; Gol'din, E.B.
Mikrobiolohichnyi Zhurnal 59(2): 96-105
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0201-8462 PMID: 9221064 Document Number: 472262
The review includes the analysis of the world literature (1913-1995) about the problems of interrelations, between microorganisms (microphytic algae and cyanobacteria) and marine mammals (whales and dolphins). Special attention is payed to the parasitological, bioindicative and toxicological aspects of microalgae inhabiting the surface of the skin integuments and respiratory organs of cetaceans, as well as their environment. There is the list of the algal species overgrowing the animals bodies and their hosts. The most of the epibionts are belonging to diatoms, there are also some cyanobacteria and green algae. The probability of the influence of the algological factor on the hosts health and a possibility of the microalgae use to evaluate the status of animals and their environment have been discussed.