SEDL / STP / STP690-EB / STP35065S

Sampling and Interpretation of Epilithic Lotic Diatom Communities

Pryfogle, PA
Research associate, Center for Environmental Studies, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.

Lowe, RL
Associate professor of biological sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio
University of Michigan Biological Station, Pellston, Mich.

Pages: 13    Published: Jan 1979

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Abstract

Benthic diatom communities were quantitatively sampled on epilithic substrates during four different seasons in 1974 and 1975 in Tymochtee Creek, Ohio. Samples were stained to distinguish living from dead diatoms. Each sample was analyzed for density and species diversity of diatoms, and the effect of including dead cells in these analyses was measured. The inclusion of dead cells increased the standing-crop estimates in every instance. In all but three instances the inclusion of dead cells increased community diversity. Summer samples had a relatively greater proportion of dead cells than winter samples. Centric diatoms were relatively more important in periphytic communities near the stream mouth, and raphe-bearing pennate diatoms were relatively more important in upstream samples.