Spatial distribution of microalgae in the Central Sahara of Algeria: Case of the Hoggar and Tassili cultural parks

Abstract

The present investigation embarks on understanding the spatial distribution of the microalgae population in the Hoggar and Tassili regions of the Central Sahara of Algeria. Thirty-eight sites were sampled between April 2016 and April 2017. Environmental parameters were measured at each station. A total of 77 taxa belonging to 7 classes were identified: Bacillariophyceae (27), Cyanophyceae (15), Chlorophyceae (14), Zygnematophyceae (13), Euglenophyceae (5), Dinophyceae (2), and Xanthophyceae (1). The highest values of the Shannon-Weaver and Equitability indexes were recorded at station H5S1 (H' = 4.62, E = 0.95), respectively, in the region of Hoggar. In the Tassili region, the highest values were recorded at station T1S2 (H' = 4.50, E = 0.88), respectively. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was established between the environmental parameters and species in both regions. According to the results, pH, altitude, and depth were the most important environmental factors influencing the microalgae diversity.