Psychrophilic and psychrotolerant heterotrophic microorganisms of Middle Siberian karst cavities

The natural microflora of Middle Siberian karst cavities, which comprises psychrotolerant bacteria and fungi capable of growing at 3-15 and 3...+28degreesC, respectively, has been studied. Bacteria are ubiquitous in caves, their count varying from 10(3) to 10(7) cells/g ground. The bacteria have been identified as Pseudomonas, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, and coryneform bacteria. Fungi have been found in places exposed to increased anthropogenic impact, their count being as large as 10(6) to 10(7) cells/g ground. Mucor Penicillium, and Chrysosporium were dominant fungal genera.