The Charophytes (Charophyta) Locality in the Milkha Stream, Lower Jordan, Israel

Abstract

First study of new locality the Milkha Stream, the Lower Jordan River tributary, with charophyte algae, in semi-arid region of Israel has been implemented for revealing of algal diversity and ecological assessment of the water object environment by bio-indication methods. Altogether forty seven species from five taxonomic Divisions of algae and cyanobacteria including one of them macro-algae Chara gymnophylla A. Braun were revealed in the Milkha stream. Chara was found in growth in the lower part of studied stream but away from community in followed years. Bio-indication and chemical variables characterize the charophyte site environment as fresh, low alkaline, and low to middle organic pollution with mainly eutrophic state. Saprobity index S is fluctuated in small range (1.32-2.06) and reflect low to middle organic pollution, Class II-III of Water Quality. Statistical analysis divide environmental variables to natural and anthropogenic and found that charophyte-related species prefer natural, whereas diatom dominants prefer polluted waters which increased during present study. The Milkha Stream studied site is recommended for regularly monitoring of chemical and biological variables in purpose the watershed protection.