Seasonal dynamics of epilithic diatom community from the Vrla River (Southeastern Serbia)

Abstract

Seasonal analysis of epilithic diatom community from the Vrla River was performed in four seasons a year (six times) at six sampling sites. Between the second (VR2) and the third sampling site (VR3) was located a trout fish farm. The highest number of diatom taxa was recorded in spring (149) and the lowest in autumn (93). The number of taxa that were found to be dominant during all four seasons was twenty-four. The relationship between 45 the best-fitted diatom taxa, which showed conspicuous seasonal dynamics, and seasons in which these taxa were recorded was illustrated using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The large number of taxa was identified in all four seasons or in winter period only. Few taxa were present only in spring and summer.