Diatoms in river water-monitoring studies

Abstract

Diatoms grow abundantly in rivers, colonising almost all suitable habitats. They have been used extensively in studies related to the monitoring of water quality. This review attempts to draw together data from a wide variety of approaches. The advantage of sampling discrete habitats is stressed and particular attention is paid to the diatom flora of stone surfaces (epilithon) which is the favoured source in many studies. The advantages and drawbacks of the techniques are discussed and some hopefully helpful suggestions made. The historical development of the topic is briefly surveyed, but no attempt has been made to present a comprehensive review of the literature which has increased enormously in the last few decades.

Coscinodiscophyceae and Fragilariophyceae (Diatomeae) in the Iguaçu River, Paraná, Brazil

“…The identification of these organisms is complex (Stoermer & Smol 1999) because of variations in the form and frustule ornamentation. In water quality studies, diatoms are excellent bioindicators (Round 1991;Descy & Ector 1999), mainly because of their short life cycle and their selective sensitivity to certain limnological conditions, making them respond promptly to environmental changes (Lobo et al 2002;Stevenson & Smol 2003).…”

Bio-écologie des diatomées épilithiques de la rivière Mfoundi (Yaoundé, Cameroun) : diversité, distribution spatiale et influence des pollutions organiques

“…Par l'étude des organismes aquatiques, on procède à une meilleure évaluation de l'intégrité des écosystèmes car leur présence ou leur abondance reflète les conditions du milieu qui se sont succédées durant leur développement (BEYENE et al, 2009;JÜTTNER et al, 1996;SOININEN, 2002). Parmi les organismes utilisés comme « bioindicateurs » de la qualité des eaux, les algues, particulièrement les diatomées, occupent une place de choix pour diagnostiquer l'état de santé des rivières, car elles répondent de manière rapide à l'eutrophisation des eaux ainsi qu'aux diverses pollutions (MORIN, 2006;ROTT et al, 1998;ROUND, 1991). De plus, les diatomées constituent l'élément essentiel de la flore algale des rivières à la base des chaînes alimentaires en milieu aquatique (EULIN, 1997;HARDING et al, 2005).…”

Diversity and Distribution Pattern of Rice Stem Periphyton in Water-Logged Rice Fields under Different Cropping Seasons in Barak Valley, Assam

“…The preference of Bacillariophyceae for attachment on rice stem could also be due to its additional nature of attachment [29] which helped some taxa to remain attached to rice stems and to become dominant during all the rice growing seasons. Moreover, Bacillariophyceae prefer to exhibit periphytic life on organic substrates over planktonic life [30].Morphological and physiological nature of rice stem might have also influenced the development of attached algae, as the submerged rice had the ability to secrete mucilage to form stalks or mucilaginous matrices, allowing attachment to substrates [31]. Seasonal changes of periphyton in natural system are affected by seasonal changes in the vegetation upon which it grows [32].…”