Сarbon dioxide fluxes from substrates and consortiums were estimated for the first time in the photic zones of seven caves of Montenegro. The dependence of consortiums productivity with their species composition and structure, as well as determination of the priority source of carbon dioxide for the primary producers of trophic chains of the photic zones were revealed.Five consortiums were distinguished in the fouling communities of the photic zones of seven karst caves of Montenegro: with the dominance of acrocarpous mosses, pleurocarpous mosses, green algae, cyanobacteria biofilms and sheath-forming cyanobacteria on various substrates. The closed chamber technique was used to calculate carbon fluxes. The net carbon flux, gross respiration of substrates and consortiums, and gross primary production of consortiums in the summer and winter were determined. The biomass of the phototrophic and heterotrophic components of the consortiums was estimated. Isotopic analysis of clay deposits and phytomass of bryophytes in the consotriums as well as on the surface was carried out. All of the investigated consortiums function as a carbon sink in both seasons, providing a negative balance to the atmosphere. Consortiums with the dominance of bryophytes possessed the greatest biomass, spores of micromycetes dominated in the heterotrophic component. The respiration of substrates was maximized on clay deposits, the respiration rate increased in winter. Phototrophic respiration and gross primary production were maximal in the consortiums of acrocarpous mosses and case-forming cyanobacteria in terms of dry phytomass. Increased content of the light carbon isotope 12C in the bryophytes phytomass in the photic zones compared to the bryophytes phytomass on the surface was established.

This review is devoted to the problem of the development of “lampenflora” - phototrophic fouling communities in karst caves’ areas with artificial lighting used for tourism purposes. The experience of domestic and foreign colleagues helps to understand the causes of its occurrence, the conditions for the formation and development of communities; describes the mechanisms of adaptation of individual species and communities to the complex conditions of underground ecosystems. Lampenflora is not typical for the cave environment, and in this regard, the adverse consequences of its presence are found in the form of an impact on the local biota and abiotic parameters of the environment. The review compares lampenflora and natural communities of phototrophs in the entrance zones of caves illuminated by sunlight.

The paper considers the influence of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, biphenyls and benz[a] pyrene on the germination of barley seeds, as well as the influence of pollutants on seed storage. As a result of the experiments, the negative effect of polychlorinated biphenyls on seed germination at a concentration of 100 μg/ kg has been found, which can be explained by the high accumulation of low-chlorinated pollutants by seeds. The negative effect of benz[a]pyrene on seed germination at concentrations of 20 and 100 μg/kg has been registered.