Colonization of Maltese Catacombs by Phototrophic Biofilms. How Much Does Light Matter?

Abstract

The study of phototrophic biofilms from Maltese catacombs has shown that their distribution within catacombs does not show a significant dependence on orientation of catacomb and their location inside the catacombs. A decrease on species richness is observed when light availability diminishes, but the composition of biofilms does not change significantly. The proportion of green algae has a slight increase in darker areas, while cyanobacteria remain stable and diatoms decrease. Diatoms are almost not present in deeper areas inside catacombs. However, light is not the only key factor driving the colonization by phototrophic biofilms.