Epiphytic diatoms on Cladophora rivularis (Linnaeus) Hoek (Chlorophyta) and Potamogeton pectinatus Linnaeus (Spermatophyta) in Lake Simenit (Samsun-Turkey)

Abstract

The epiphytic algae of Lake Simenit were investigated from July 2000 to May 2001. In total, 66 taxa of epiphytic diatoms were identified. Of the taxa determined, 62 were found oil Cladophora rivularis and 52 were found on Potamogeton pectinatus. Among the epiphytic algae, Cocconcis pediculus, C. placentula, Rhoicosphenia abbreviata, Fragilaria ulna, Amphora ovalis, Cyclotella meneghiniana and C. glomerata were abundant. The lake water was slightly alkaline and its hardness varied between hard and very hard. Of the different factors effecting the diatom composition conductivity, total hardness, dissolved oxygen, sulphate, chloride and temperature were the most important environmental variables. Species richness and diversity (Shannon-Weaver) were calculated for epiphytic diatoms found on C rivularis and P. pectinatus. The relationships between the diatom composition and physicochemical variables were analysed by means Canonical Correspondence Analysis.