[INVESTIGATION OF THEMUDS (PELOID) BY LIGHT MICROSCOPY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE IDENTIFICATION METHOD].

This study purpose was to research the possibility of microscopic analysis using for therapeutic mud (peloids) identification. The samples were studied: products containing native mud for use as cosmetics; sulfide-silt mud of the BolshoyTambukanlake (Stavropol region) and the Saki lake (Crimea). The microscopic analysis of raw materials was carried out in accordance with OFS 1.5.3.0003.15. For identification of the algae the database of the website https://www.algaebase.org/content/ was used. The difference between microscopic features of different genesis muds deposits: sulfide-silt, sapropel and peat was determined. Sulfide-silt muds were characterized by the presence of a large number of mineral particles, including various shapes salt crystals, blue-black hydrotroilite particles, dark brown humus particles, and rare algae inclusions. Sapropel mud was characterized by the presence of a significant number of semi-decomposed plant residues fragments and fragments of plant tissues, algae, pollen of higher coastal plants, and a small number of mineral particles. Peat mud contained numerous fragments of half-decomposed plant residues (conductive and mechanical tissues), fragments of mosses, the absence of algae and mineral particles is noted. Thus, the microscopic method of analysis can be used to assess the authenticity and quality of therapeutic mud of various origins along with the macroscopic method. Further research is promising to clarify the microscopic characteristics of raw materials for the development of regulatory documentation for therapeutic mud intended for use in cosmetics.