Diatoms from the Congo and Zambezi basins: a guide to the genera of tropical Africa

The diatoms are a group of algae which are unique in that they construct their cell wall from biogenic silica. They compose about 40% of most attached algal communities and are found from terrestrial, moist sub-aerial to fully aquatic habitats. Diatom research has historically been well established in Central Africa but more commonly directed towards the phytoplankton of large bodies of standing water. Recently there has been considerable international research interest on using diatoms as indicators of water quality as the community structure of these organisms is closely linked to changes in pollution status. Usually diatoms attached to a solid substrate and originating from rivers and streams are used for this purpose. Diatom taxonomy has undergone considerable changes during the last three decades with many new diatom genera being established. The advantage of this is that these diatom genera are now more narrowly defined and thus more ecologically relevant in terms of establishing water quality conditions. A new volume in the series Abc Taxa sets out to introduce researchers to the latest concepts in collection and preparation methodology as well as diatom taxonomy and nomenclature. This is achieved by illustrating and discussing methodological concepts and providing a fully illustrated glossary. For the French speaking the terms of the glossary as well as the glossary itself were translated. Ninety one diatom genera, those most commonly occurring in the Congo and Zambezi catchment region, were discussed. A brief description with an indication of the morphologic characteristics, plastid structure (if available) and ecology was given for each of the genera. Digitally generated drawings were added to illustrate the distinguishing characteristics for each genus. All genera are illustrated by means of numerous photographs taken with a light microscope and/or scanning electron microscope. It is hoped that this new volume will aid researchers in the effective establishment and use of diatom based methods for river quality monitoring.

Jaar van publicatie:2017