Caracterización limnológica del agua, las algas y los barros utilizados en el Complejo Termal Copahue (Neuquén, Argentina)

We carried out the physicochemical characterization of extreme environments acidic geothermal springs Copahue Thermal Complex, and isolated cultivated algae used for therapeutic medicinal purposes. Ecophysiological aspects, algal photosynthetic responses potential toxicity sediments were analysed. At 15 sampling sites (pH: 2.0-6.7, conductivity: 283-3230 µS/cm, temperature: 22-60 °C), 11 Cyanobacteria species a total 24 identified. The richness was low with true inhabitants highly waters: Cyanidium caldarium, Euglena mutabilis, Chlamydomonas acidophila, Achnanthidium minutissimum, Eunotia exigua, cosmopolitan thermal springs: Mastigocladus laminosus, Leptolyngbia boryana Phormidium tergestinum. All well adapted to light levels (15-55 µmol photon.m-2.s-1), similar those in comparable environments. pH temperature important factors distribution, N:P relationship suggests that P is limiting nutrient growth. Fractions controlling availability muds bound organic matter, Fe/Al oxyhydroxides. Healing have ability precipitate metals would not be toxic. Cadmium other potentially toxic very concentrations pose no risk human use as healing bathing.