Common Diatoms of Phytobenthos in Gediz River Basin

Abstract

Diatoms (important representatives of phytobenthos) are ecologically important quality elements for rivers and lakes according to Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC). In this study, it was aimed to investigate common diatoms of Gediz River Basin within the scope of the preparation of Gediz River Basin management plan studies. Samples were collected from epilithon and epipelon substrates of 17 rivers, 2 lakes (Gölcük and Marmara) and 4 dams (Demirköprü, Küçükler, Buldan, Afşar) in November 2017 and April 2018. Samples were boiled with H 2 O 2 and HCl for removing the organic matter from frustules. Permanent slides mounted with Naphrax solution. As a result, 20 taxa were found as common diatoms in Gediz River Basin. Among the taxa, many of them were commonly found also in Turkish rivers and lakes. Amphora pediculus (Kützing) Grunow, Navicula reichardtiana Lange-Bertalot, Navicula veneta Kützing, Nitzschia dissipata (Kützing) Rabenhorst and Nitzschia inconspicua Grunow were most common diatoms in sampling points. However, Navicula erifuga Lange-Bertalot , Navicula reichardtiana Lange-Bertalot and Nitzschia archibaldii Lange-Bertalot were rarely found in Turkish rivers and lakes.