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

Olga Jakovljević,Slađana Popović,Katarina Stojanović,Ivana Živić,Jelena Krizmanić

doi:10.5937/kgjsci2143109j

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.

Highlights

Diatoms play a key role in aquatic ecosystems for millions of years, as one of the most important primary producers on Earth
A total of 149 diatom taxa were recorded in the Vrla River during the spring season (May 2011 and 2012) (Figure 2)
Achnanthidium minutissimum, Gomphonema elegantissimum and Nitzschia soratensis were distinguished as dominant taxa in epilithic diatom community of the Vrla River during the spring period (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Diatoms play a key role in aquatic ecosystems for millions of years, as one of the most important primary producers on Earth This group of algae is a valuable resource of very important chemical compounds, has found application in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industry, as well as the synthesis of biofuels (BOZARTH et al, 2009). The study of diatoms in rivers and streams mainly referred to their role in monitoring, while the temporal and spatial dynamics of communities were less studied (LAVOIE et al, 2008). Their seasonal and annual dynamics were often studied separately (SOININEN and ELORANTA, 2004)

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion