The lampenflora in show caves and its treatment: an emerging ecological problem

• Published in: International journal of speleology Vol. 48; no. 3; pp. 249 - 277
• Main Authors: Estévez, Carlos Baquedano, Merino, Luis Moreno, Román, Almudena de la Losa, Valsero, Juan J Durán
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bologna University of South Florida Board of Trustees, a public body corporate, having locations in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota 01.09.2019; University of South Florida Libraries
• Subjects: Algae; Biocides; biodeterioration; biofilms; Cave art; Caves; Colonization; Cyanobacteria; Effluents; Geology; Groundwater; groundwater pollution; lampenflora; Lighting; Literature reviews; National parks; Oxidants; Oxidizing agents; Pollutants; show caves; Substrates; Tourism; Tourist attractions; Lascaux Cave; Slovenia; United States > US; Spain

The artificial lighting of caves adapted for touristic visits, leads to the appearance and propagation of a complex community of phototrophic organisms known as "lampenflora". Formed mainly by algae and cyanobacteria, they produce the degradation of the colonized substrates and decrease th...