Desmid Flora Research Articles

<p class="HeadingRunIn"><strong>New records of <em>Cosmarium</em> (Desmidiaceae) to Brazil</strong></p>

This study presents 14 specific and infra-specific pioneer citations of the genus Cosmarium for the Brazilian desmid flora. Sixty-three samples of planktonic and periphytic material studied were collected in three Environmental Protection Areas (Rio Capivara, Lagoas de Guarajuba and Litoral Norte), located in Bahia State, northeastern Brazil, during the Summer (January–March 2007 and 2009) and Winter (June–August 2007 and 2009), both in lotic and lentic environments.

A Checklist of Desmids (Conjugatophyceae, Chlorophyta) of Serbia. II. GenusCosmarium

Abstract The desmid flora of Serbia has been surveyed during various periods. The first data on the distribution of desmids in Serbia date back to 1883 and from then on until 2009 altogether 630 different taxa were identified. Among 23 genera of desmids in all, the most diverse and most commonly found is Cosmarium (242 taxa or 38.4% of the total number of taxa). Taxa belonging to the genus Cosmarium grow in distinctly diverse habitats, from lowland rivers to high-mountain peat bogs. The present paper gives a survey of the major taxonomic and ecological characteristics of the Cosmarium taxa which have been identified in Serbia. The present studies regarding the distribution of Cosmarium taxa over the territory of Serbia, show that extremely rare, very rare and rare taxa comprise 96.3% of all recorded Cosmarium taxa. The species Cosmarium botrytis, C. laeve, C. meneghinii and C. subprotumidum appear widely distributed in the territory of Serbia. High-mountain peat bogs are characterized by the greatest dive...

Changes in species composition of desmids in the "Błoto" peat bog (the Niepołomice Forest) from 1954 to 2001

After the lapse of 48 years, a renewed study on species composition of desmids was carried out at the Błoto peat bog in the Niepołomice Forest. During this period, the peat bog underwent far-reaching changes caused by man. Out of 41 species recorded by Wasylik (1955), the occurrence of only 11 was confirmed. However, 14 species absent at the time of the earlier study were found. In all, 25 species of desmids were found. The present state of the desmid flora was brought about by increase of pH, draining of the area, disappearance of peat mosses and probably by eutrophication of waters in the studied area.

Algal community patterns in Slovenian bogs along environmental gradients

In 2005 and 2006, epiphyton samples were collected from seven lowland and montane peat bogs in Slovenia. Water temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and saturation were measured at the same time. Diatoms, desmids and Cyanobacteria were the most abundand groups in species number. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was carried out on Cyanobacteria, diatom and desmid flora composition. This analysis showed that shading was the most important parameter in Cyanobacteria distribution and bedrock the most important one in that of diatoms and desmids. Cluster analyses were carried out based on the Cyanobacteria, diatom and desmid data. The Cyanobacteria and diatom data separated sites, whereas the desmid data revealed a temporal aspect.

Species composition and diversity of aero-terrestrial algae and cyanobacteria of the Boreč Hill ventaroles.

The algal flora of the Boreč Hill ventaroles was examined and compared with the flora of their close surroundings. In comparison to unaffected sites, the ventaroles differ in seasonal temperature fluctuation as well as in soil pH. Winter exhalations caused by continual air circulation in the cranny system of rock massive result in a significant increase in air temperature and soil pH. The ventaroles were inhabited by a markedly richer and more diversified algal flora. Over half of investigated species occurred only in the ventaroles, including all chrysophyte, eustigmatophyte and desmid taxa. In contrast to the unaffected sites, different algal populations were discovered in the ventaroles. The investigated species could be separated into two groups: ventarole-specific ones preferentially occurred in both the ventaroles, and those occurred only in a large ventarole. There, water condensation in moss plants during winter exhalations enables a short-term occurrence of several algal species preferring aquatic environments. The diatom flora of the ventaroles resembles well the species composition found in the caves. By contrast, the desmid flora is rather similar to algal communities found in ephemeral water bodieslike temporary peat bog pools or dripping rocks. Thus, the Boreč Hill ventaroles represent a unique type of biotope, with a specific algal flora adapted to periodical periods of warm, moist air exhalations of several months' duration.

The desmids of the Swamp Nature Reserve and a small neighbouring bog: species composition and ecological condition of both sites.

The present study is a summary of recent findings concerning the desmid flora of the Swamp Nature Reserve and a small neighbouring bog. A total of 203 desmid taxa belonging to 22 genera were found, including 39 taxa that are considered very rare in the Czech Republic. Of this number, 46 taxa were found in the Swamp and 203 taxa in the neighbouring bog. The ecological condition of both localities was assessed on the basis of the species composition of the desmid communities encountered. The results indicate that the present overall ecological situation of the Swamp is favourable for the development of a characteristic, acidophilous desmid community. They also document quite an exceptional natural value of the second site studied, fully justifying its recent designation as part of the Swamp Nature Reserve. The results presented here may also be used in the future as a basis for comparative ecological studies tracing the development of both these sites.

Contribution to the desmid flora of Turkey

Cosmarium botrytis Menegh. ex Ralfs var. tumidum Wolle, Cosmarium notabile Bréb. var. transiens Insam et Krieger, Cosmarium tetragonum (Näg.) Arch. in Pritchard var. tetragonum, and Cosmarium vogesiacum Lemaire var. alpinum (Schmidle) Laporte are recorded for the first time for the desmid flora of Turkey. The desmids are recorded from Yedigöller Lakes in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey.

Diversity of desmids in three Thai peat swamps

Three peat swamps situated in the southern part of Thailand were investigated for their desmid flora in relation to a number of physical and chemical habitat parameters. Altogether, 99 species were encountered belonging to 22 genera. 30 species are new records for the Thai desmid flora. Laempagarung peat swamp showed the highest diversity (45 species), followed by Maikhao peat swamp (32 species) and Jud peat swamp (25 species). Despite its relatively low species richness, Jud swamp appeared to house a number of rare taxa, e.g., Micrasterias subdenticulata var. ornata, M. suboblonga var. tecta and M. tetraptera var. siamensis which can be considered Indo-Malaysian endemics. Differences in composition of the desmid flora between the three peat swamps are discussed in relation to environmental conditions.

Use of desmids to assess the natural conservation value of a Hungarian oxbow (Malom-Tisza, NE-Hungary)

A method recently proposed by Coesel that uses the desmid flora to assess the conservation value of aquatic habitats was applied to an alkaline and hypertrophic oxbow of the Upper Tisza river (NE Hungary). According to the macrophyte community the oxbow contains two distinct habitats, both of which provide suitable conditions for the development of a rich desmid flora. High temporal and spatial differences in the algal flora were observed in periphyton and plankton samples taken in June and August 2004. The sample of Utricularia vulgaris periphyton collected in August was characterised by the most species-rich desmid flora. The conservation value of this sample was the maximum according to Coesel’s method. The latter also proved to be useful for the assessment of the conservation value of plankton net samples taken from among the macrophytes. The use of modified rarity value calculations as recently proposed by Feher did not significantly affect the conservation value, but different enumeration methods to quantify the floristic diversity did result in different conservation values. We found that Coesel’s desmid based method is a useful tool for assessing the conservation value of the studied oxbow. Based our results the Coesel method’s applicability and usefulness depended on (i) the sampling location (open water or macrophytic region) samples were taken from open water or from macrophytic region; and (ii) species enumeration procedures (up to 400 specimens counted, or whole droplets counted).

Desmids in mountain lakes of the subpolar Urals

The species composition of desmids was studied in eight mountain lakes of the Kozhim and Malyi Patok River basins in the “Yugyd Va” National Park (subpolar Urals, Russia). A total of 98 desmid taxa representing 13 genera belonging to 4 families were identified. Geographical and ecological analyses showed that the desmid flora is typical, with a predominance of cosmopolitan species, planktic-benthic forms, acidophilic and pH indifferent species, and halophobic to salinity indifferent species. The investigated lakes can be classified as pristine and in good ecological condition on the basis of their hydrochemical and algal biodiversity characteristics.

Book Review: Desmids of the Lowlands: Mesotaeniaceae and Desmidiaceae of the European Lowlands Peter F.M. Coesel and Koos (J.) Meesters KNNV Publishing, Zeist, the Netherlands, 2007. ISBN 978-90-5011-265-9, 352 pages (hardcover) plus CD-ROM. Price: Euros 89.95.

What a splendid Desmid Flora with the excellently simple illustrations that Desmid experts are so good at. I can’t wait to try it on living material but have enjoyed examining the book during my recovery from a hip operation (when there was time to be passed!). This very easily appreciated text is basically an update of the earlier Dutch Flora now extended to cover nearby Belgian and German lowlands. For those who may have struggled to read the original, this will be most welcome, and will prove a new and useful source of taxonomic information for others. Not being an intuitive user of new IT programs, I miss having a proper introduction and explanation as to the uses of the accompanying CD and so hope that it is proof against any misuse. I am sure that it will be an asset when properly used. The text and illustrations of the book provide an easy understanding for the non-expert and the more expert, and one can smile at the few un-English idioms that escaped the linguistic screener. It also reminds one that auto-

Desmids (Chlorophyta, Zygnematophyceae) from the Girutiskis mire complex reserve (East Lithuania)

The desmid flora of the Girutiskis mire complex reserve in Lithuania, a Natura 2000 territory and a potential Ramsar site, was investigated for the first time. Despite being a relatively small area with homogenous ecological conditions and a narrow range of pH-values, some pattern in the distribution of desmid species was observed. The lowest number of species was observed in the highly acidic lakes that were surrounded by sub-shrub bogs, and the highest number in less acidic lakes that were surrounded by trembling bogs. A total of 78 desmid taxa were found of which 16 were first records for Lithuania. Almost half of the taxa were uniquely found at one site, and only 10% were classified as frequent.

High tolerance to water pollution in Cosmarium boitierense Kouwets and Staurastrum bloklandiae Coesel et Joosten, taxa recorded for the first time from the Balkan Peninsula

Detailed investigations into the desmid flora of the Province of Vojvodina (north Serbia) were performed in the period from April 2002 to May 2003. Although water of the investigated localities was marked as alkaline, distinctly hard, enriched with mineral salts and organic, biodegradable compounds, a surprisingly high number of desmid species was recorded. Two taxa, Cosmarium boitierense var. boitierense and Staurastrum bloklandiae, are new to the algal flora of Serbia as well as for the Balkan Peninsula. In this paper 47 plankton samples from six localities holding these taxa are taken into consideration. It was found that Cosmarium boitierense var. boitierense and Staurastrum bloklandiae are inhabitants of eutrophic and alkaline freshwater ecosystems containing a considerable amount of mineral salts, toxic compounds, heavy metals and s-radioactivity.

Desmids (Chlorophyceae, Conjugales, Desmidiaceae) from Foothills of Western Himalaya, India

Forty-eight taxa of desmids belonging to Class Chlorophyceae (Order - Conjugales, Family - Desmidiaceae), collected from different aquatic habitats of Lalkuan, Kathgodam and Pantnagar areas of Uttaranchal state and Pilibheet district of Uttar Pradesh, which are regions of foothills of Western Himalaya, have been described. These taxa belongs to 5 genera viz. Closterium Nitzsch (6 spp., 5 var., and 2 forma), Euastrum Ehrenberg (1 var.), Staurastrum Meyen (2 spp., 1 var., 1 forma), Cosmarium Corda ex Ralfs (19 spp. and 10 var.), Pleurotaenium Naegeli (1 sp.). Staurastrum pseudopachyrhyncum Wolle (1884) is new record for desmid flora of India.㨊錀Ѐ㘲㐻Ⰰ䉵楬摩湧Ⱐ捯湳瑲畣瑩潮⁡湤⁣楶楬⁥湧楮敥物湧

Desmid flora (Chlorophyta, Zygnematophyceae) of the Danube in the province of Vojvodina (Northern Serbia)

This paper presents results of a detailed investigation into the qualitative composition of the desmid flora of the Danube performed from April of 2002 to May of 2003. A total of 70 desmid taxa belonging to four genera were recorded. Forty-seven taxa are new to the Vojvodina stretch of the Danube, while Cosmarium kjellmanii, Staurastrum bloklandiae, and S. smithii are taxa new to the algal flora of Serbia. Qualitative dominance of desmid taxa typical of alkaline and eutrophic ecosystems was observed. The qualitative composition of planktonic taxa, their quantitative composition, and regular seasonal dynamics of the desmid community were analyzed in the relation to physico-chemical characteristics of the water. Water quality was analyzed on the basis of desmids, which are bioindicators. The partly unexpected presence of certain desmid taxa, i.e., several typical acidophilous species, alpine forms, and/or taxa characteristic of oligotrophic water was recorded.

Use of Desmidiales flora for monitoring rivers: a case of South-Hungarian waters

The Desmidiales flora can be a very good indicator of ecological status of rivers and other water-bodies. Desmids found in rivers show the connections of the rivers with their dead- and sidearms. This seems especially important in determining the ecological status of slowly streaming waters (mainly lowland's rivers, canals, dead- and sidearms of rivers). The sample collection from these biotops cannot be omitted if we liked to know about their status. In the present study, a Dutch-system (COESEL 1998) was applied to the investigated South-Hungarian waters. The results of the rivers were compared to that of dead- and sidearms, lakes situated on these areas. The essence of the applied method is the determination of the Nature Conservation Value (NW by COESEL) based on desmid assemblages. The parameters chosen to determine NW are diversity (species richness), rarity (occurrence of rare taxa) and maturity (presence of species indicative of ecosystem maturity). The comparison of 15 water-bodies belonging to different types (canals, side-arms, dead-arms and lakes) is presented. There are 6 water-bodies that have a high natural conservation value according to their desmid flora. Experience shows that this method is well usable for Hungarian waters, too. In the present study, there are some suggested modifications for the indicator value based on the occurrences of the determined Desmidiales taxa in Hungary.

Remarkable desmids (Desmidiaceae, Charophyta) from Sardinia, Italy

A number of benthic microfauna samples collected in Sardinia in the 1970s, and screened for the occurrence of microalgae in the 1990s, revealed some remarkable desmid species. Most of these species could not be found in a series of samples collected in 2006. Eleven desmid taxa are discussed in detail, two of which are described as new to science; Cosmarium majaeforme sp. nov. and Xanthidiumsardiniense sp. nov. The specific composition of the Sardinian desmid flora is discussed both in relation to the prevailing environmental conditions and to its geographic position close to the African continent.

Contribution to the knowledge of the desmid flora in French Guiana

Contribution to the knowledge of the desmid flora in French Guiana

Contribution to the desmid flora of the Southern Appalachian Mountains (USA)

Contribution to the desmid flora of the Southern Appalachian Mountains (USA)

Diatom and desmid relationships with the environment in mountain lakes and mires of NW Spain

The mountain ranges in NW Spain have a large number of little known wetlands. We report the results of a study carried out on a group of 77 small lakes and mires in the Sierra Segundera and Cordillera Cantabrica. The main physical and chemical variables, and phytoplankton communities from littoral samples were studied. Cantabrian wetlands showed greater variability in all environmental variables measured as well as higher values in those related to mineralisation than the Segundera ones. Many of these ecosystems were oligotrophic and showed a high species richness. Desmids and diatoms were the two most abundant groups, both in the species number and in biovolume. Desmids were the most numerous group in taxa in Sierra Segundera, whereas diatoms were in Cordillera Cantabrica. Differences in species composition of algae communities between both mountain ecosystems were studied. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was carried out on diatom and desmid flora composition. This analysis showed that alkalinity was the most important parameter in diatom distribution and pH the most important one in that of desmids.