Multilevel morphophysiological investigations of the brown algae (the Kola bay, Barents Sea)

The comparative multilevel quantitative investigations of the brown algae morphophysiological parameters have been carried out on the Kola Bay littoral influenced by the anthropogenic pollution gradient. Algal dimensional and age-specific structure has been investigated on the organism, population, and community levels. Special significance has been devoted to the seaweed's surface area and specific surface area measurements as morphophysiological parameters connected with metabolism of algae. The multi-parameter reaction of algae is possible to describe as a system adaptation to the chemical pollution gradient. The results can be used for the littoral ecosystem express environmental monitoring.