Unveiling the Hidden World: Diversity and Ecology of Cyanobacteria and Algae

A special issue of Microbiology Research (ISSN 2036-7481).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 1104

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden "Jevremovac", Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: cyanobacteria; algae; phototrophs of extreme habitats (aerophytic, hypogean (caves), cultural heritage, thermal springs); lampenflora; algal cultures; fundamental and applied algology

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Guest Editor Assistant
Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden "Jevremovac", Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: microalgae; diatoms; phytobenthos; phytoplankton; ecological status assessment; surface waters; underground waters; extreme habitats

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Phototrophic microorganisms, cyanobacteria and algae, are remarkable life forms that thrive in a wide range of habitats on Earth. They exhibit exceptional adaptability to diverse and often extreme environmental conditions, developing unique survival strategies that enable them to thrive in challenging ecosystems. Through their resilience and ecological versatility, they make a significant contribution to primary production, global nutrient cycling, and the maintenance of ecological balance. Research into the diversity and ecology of these phototrophs provides valuable insights for numerous scientific fields, including biodiversity, ecosystem functions, environmental monitoring, climate change, evolutionary biology, sustainable resource use, public health, and biotechnology. Despite their importance, cyanobacteria and algae remain relatively understudied, especially those inhabiting extreme or unique environments. This Special Issue aims to present high-quality research that enhances our understanding of the diversity, ecology, and roles of algae and cyanobacteria from various habitats, advancing both fundamental and practical scientific knowledge.

Dr. Slađana S. Popović
Guest Editor

Dr. Olga S. Jakovljević
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • cyanobacteria
  • algae
  • phototrophic biofilms
  • water
  • terrestrial and extreme habitats
  • diversity
  • ecology
  • taxonomy
  • systematics
  • algal indicators

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

16 pages, 2668 KB  
Article
Hidden Diversity: Diatoms in the Subterranean Stream of Ravništarka Cave
by Olga Jakovljević, Željka Milovanović, Miloš Stupar, Željko Savković, Marija Pećić, Dragana Jerinkić and Slađana Popović
Microbiol. Res. 2026, 17(4), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres17040069 - 29 Mar 2026
Viewed by 361
Abstract
Cave microbiota comprise metabolically diverse organisms, including microalgae, among which Bacillariophyta (diatoms) represent one of the most prominent groups, inhabiting a wide range of substrates within cave ecosystems. In contrast to aerophytic cave habitats, aquatic cave environments remain poorly studied. Therefore, the main [...] Read more.
Cave microbiota comprise metabolically diverse organisms, including microalgae, among which Bacillariophyta (diatoms) represent one of the most prominent groups, inhabiting a wide range of substrates within cave ecosystems. In contrast to aerophytic cave habitats, aquatic cave environments remain poorly studied. Therefore, the main aims of this study were to determine the diversity, spatial distribution, and seasonal dynamics of diatom assemblages in the Ponorac Stream flowing through Ravništarka Cave, and to assess the influence of environmental variables on diatom diversity and distribution. Samples were collected from six sites along the Ponorac stream in May and November 2023. Physical and chemical water parameters showed only minor variation among sampling sites. In total, 148 diatom taxa belonging to 54 genera were recorded, including several rare diatom taxa. Diatom assemblages in the Ponorac stream were characterized by high taxonomic richness, high α-diversity, and pronounced community heterogeneity. Many taxa occurred in both seasons and across multiple sites, whereas several were restricted to a single season or exhibited clear site specificity. Most diatom index values indicated generally high ecological status. This study highlights the importance of aquatic cave habitats as reservoirs of diatom diversity and their value in studying temporal and spatial variation of their communities. Full article
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