Diatoms as Bioindicators of Water Quality
Some Diatom Background Occur only as single cells or chains of cells 285 genera and 10, 000 -12, 000 recognized species Diversity is rivaled among the algae only by the green algae Probably the most numerous of eukaryotic aquatic organisms In terms of primary productivity, the most important aquatic photosynthesizers
Pennate Diatoms Bilateral symmetry Two large, platelike plastids Raphid pennates Araphid pennates
Centric Diatoms Cylindrical cells Radial symmetry Many plastids
Water Quality in Streams Pennate diatoms dominated Parameters tested: p. H % dissolved oxygen saturation Biological oxygen demand (BOD) Total nitrogen and phosphorous Amount of inorganic nitrogen
Agricultural Pollution Due to nutrient runoff and erosion Benthic algae to evaluate water quality Analyzed variables: p. H Temperature Turbidity Total dissolved nitrogen, phosphorous, and organic carbon
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