Human activities’ impacts on cave microbial diversity: perspectives for cave microbial diversity conservation

Authors : Nahdhoit AHAMADA RACHID, Nihal DOĞRUÖZ GÜNGÖR

Pages : 311-323

Doi:10.38001/ijlsb.829925

View : 21 | Download : 14

Publication Date : 2021-08-15

Article Type : Review Paper

Abstract :Microorganisms are distributed everywhere even on the extreme environments such as caves. The underground surfaces are minerals rich and the life in there is found to be related to both biotic and abiotic factors. Since the cycle of these minerals is insured by the chemolithotrophs living in there. In addition, caves are also considered as important reservoirs of bioactive compounds. However, caves are entered for different reasons. Some of cavers are of scientific research, some of them are for recreational reasons like sports and simple cave visits. All these activities are thought to impacts on the visible mat and invisible colonies of microorganisms through mechanical force or importing exogenous microorganisms. This study summarizes the different impacts which can be caused by the different human activities in caves. Finally, perspective of the conservation of cave microbial structure are suggested for the further uses of caves.
Keywords : microorganisms, cave, caving, conservation