Microorganisms in summer snow patches in selected high mountain ranges of Slovakia

Snow is not only abiotic component of cryosphere but also a true functional ecosystem. In the past were the Vysoke Tatry Mts, the highest mountains of the Carpathians, the most studied mountain area in the Europe in terms of cryoflora. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of snow microorganisms and its environmental conditions also in other high mountains of Slovakia. Due to climatic conditions of high altitudes, snow patches persist in deep concave relief shapes until late of June. Therefore these conditions are suitable for snow microorganisms. Sampling of snow microorganisms was carried out from May to September of 2013 and 2014. In selected mountains were mostly found snow alga cf. Chloromonas nivalis and we found also the presence of individuals of cyanobacteria, microscopic fungi, ciliates, rotifer and tardigrade. Recorded occurrence of thaw–froze cycles during august and high intensity of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) (max. 2133 μmol.m−2.s−1) could be considered as stress factors this harsh environment. The pH values of taken samples were slightly acidified, in some cases neutral. The conductivity of water from melted snow had high coefficient of variation (values characteristic for distilled water until values 160 μS.cm−1). The chemical analyses determined the higher content of N-NO3 in analysed samples of melted snow in compare with content of N-NH4 and P-PO4. Despite these facts paper confirms potential of Slovak high mountains as suitable place for life of snow microorganisms.