Element Composition and Biogeochemical Functions of Algae Ulothrix Zonata (F. Weber et Mohr) Kützing in the Coastal Zone of the Southern Baikal

Abstract

ICP-MS method was used to study the element composition of green algae Ulothrix zonata (F. Weber et Mohr) Kützing, sampled in the coastal zone of the Southern Baikal. Dominating in Ulothrix composition are S, Ca, P, Mg and microelements Fe, Al, Ti, Mn, Sr, Ba, Cu, Zn, La, Ce, As, Br, and Pb. The concentrations of all analyzed elements in alga thallomes is greater than the respective concentrations in coastal zone water. The dry mass of U. zonata accumulates more P, As, S, I, Br, Ni, Cd, Ca, and Mg than the stone substrate does. The effect of U. zonata on the formation of element composition of water medium in the coastal zone is demonstrated.