ECOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND PRODUCTION CHARACTERISTICS OF FOULING ALGAE OF SOLID SUBSTRATES AND WATERWORKS IN THE BLACK SEA (CAPE MARTYAN)

The ecological composition and production indicators of waterworks macrophytoperiphyton and their spatial dynamics were studied in the coastal zone of the Cape Martyan Reserve in the winter period. To assess the contribution of periphyton algae to the structure and functioning of the coastal ecosystem, a synchronous study of macrophytobenthos of the water area adjacent to the western side of the waterworks was organized. Macrophytobenthos includes 26 species, among which the leading, annual, mesosaprobic, marine and brackish-water algae dominate. The macrophytobenthos production dominant is Cystoseira crinita . Macrophytoperiphyton is represented by 36 species, among which the leading, perennial and annual, marine and oligosaprobic algae prevail. The main producers of macrophytoperiphyton are Rhodophyta and Ochrophyta. A set of general signs of macrophytoperiphyton in different parts of the waterworks was established. It is shown that fouling is able to change in space even within the same waterworks, acquiring features characteristic of the algae of each of its sides. Comparison of benthos algocenosis and periphyton of the same region revealed the presence of similar and specific features, which indicates the objectivity of the existence of cenosis of different life forms, but having single origin and complementary features that ensure the successful functioning of the coastal ecosystem.

Are metals of antifouling paints transferred to marine biota?

Because of its high toxicity, TBT (trybutiltin) was banned since 2003, which resulted in a greater re-use of Cu as based-biocide in antifouling paints (AFP). The aim of this work is to determine if metals form of AFP are transferred to benthic organisms from Guanabara Bay (GB) (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Metal concentrations were measured in two main fouling algae species Ulva flexuosa and U. fasciata and one isopod species, Sphaeroma serratum, in two GB marinas areas from sites with artificial substrate covered by AFP and natural substrate.In addition, control samples were collected in an adjacent open ocean area. Concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn were determined by Atomic Absortion Spectrophotometry. Higher concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn were detected in both algal species from GB in relation to control areas. Among samples of algae and isopod species from GB, populations collected over artificial surfaces covered by AFP presented significantly higher metal concentration than population of rocky natural substrate. Our data showed that the leaching of metals by antifouling paints present on decks and boats are being taken up by algae and isopods. These results indicate that antifouling coatings are the main source of heavy metal to biota of GB marina area.