Skip to main content
Springer Nature Link
Log in

Application of Diatom-Based Indices for Monitoring Environmental Quality of Riverine Ecosystems: A Review

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Environmental Management of River Basin Ecosystems

Part of the book series: Springer Earth System Sciences ((SPRINGEREARTH))

Abstract

Diatoms are a large and diverse group of single-celled algae. Diatom-based indices are increasingly becoming important tools for assessment of environmental conditions in aquatic systems. Diatoms have long been lauded for their use as powerful and reliable environmental indicators. The objective of this paper is to review and explain the application of diatoms in environmental studies of river aquatic system. Review of Diatom Research in India and abroad shows that the diatom study and its applications are at nascent stage when compared to their utilization in Australia, Canada, United States and Brazil. The occurrences of Diatoms in surface waters especially in major rivers of the world are yet to be recorded. However, the review of Diatom Research provides considerable scope and applications in understanding and monitoring of environments. From the analysis of diatoms in surface waters of India, we conclude that the diatom studies can be best used in environmental assessments of water-quality of ecosystem.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Amoros C, Van Urk G (1989) Palaeoecological analyses of large rivers: some principles and methods. In: Petts GE, Moller H, Roux AL (eds) Historical change of large alluvial rivers:Western Europe, Wiley, Chichester, pp 143–65

    Google Scholar 

  • Anand N (1998) Indian fresh water microalgae. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehradun, pp 1–94

    Google Scholar 

  • Archibald REM (1972) Diversity in some South African diatom associations and its relation to water quality. Water Res 6:1229–1238

    Google Scholar 

  • Archibald REM, Schoeman FR (1984) Amphora coffeaeformis (Agardh) Kützing: a revision of the species under light and electron microscopy. S Afr J Bot 3(2):83–102

    Google Scholar 

  • Archibald REM, Schoeman FR (1985) Amphora hybrida Grunow (Bacillariophyceae)—its identity and taxonomy. Nova Hedwig 41:159–166

    Google Scholar 

  • Archibald REM, Schoeman FR (1987) Taxonomic notes on diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) from Great Usutu River in Swaziland. S Afr J Bot 53(1):75–92

    Google Scholar 

  • Archibald REM, Schoeman FR (1988) A taxonomic review of Amphora hartii in relation to Amphora thermalis. Diatom Res 3(2):181–190

    Google Scholar 

  • Asai K (1996) Statistical classification of epilithic diatom species into three ecological groups relating to organic water pollution. (1) Method with coexistence index. Diatom 10:13–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Atazadeh I, Sharifi M, Kelly MG (2007) Evaluation of the trophic diatom index for assessing water quality in River Gharasou, western Iran. Hydrobiologia 589:165–173

    Google Scholar 

  • Battarbee RW, Jones VJ, Flower RJ (2001a) Diatoms. In: Smol JP, Birks HJB, Last WM (eds) Tracking environmental change using lake sediments. Terrestrial, algal, and siliceous indicators, vol 3. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, pp 155–202

    Google Scholar 

  • Battarbee RW, Juggins S, Gasse F (2001b) European diatom database (EDDI). An information system for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, London, p 210

    Google Scholar 

  • Battegazzore M, Morisi A, Gallino B, Fenoglio S (2004) Environmental quality evaluation of alpine springs in NW Italy using benthic diatoms. Diatom Res 19:149–165

    Google Scholar 

  • Bellinger BJ, Cocquyt C, O’Reilly CM (2006) Benthic diatoms as indicators of eutrophication in tropical streams. Hydrobiologia 573:75–87

    Google Scholar 

  • Bere T, Tundisi JG (2011) Diatom-based water quality assessment in streams influence by urban pollution: effects of natural and two selected artificial substrates, São Carlos-sp, Brazil. Braz J Aquat Sci Technol 15(1):54–63

    Google Scholar 

  • Berger WH, Parker FL (1970) Diversity of planktonic foraminifera in deep-sea sediments. Science 168:1345–1347

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhagat P (2002) Limnological investigation on Naukuchia Tal. Ph.D. thesis, Kumaun University Nanital, India

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhatt JP, Bhaskar A, Pandit MK (2005) Biotic communities of Kishanganga river: a pre-impoundment case study of a Himalayan river. Aqua Ecosyst Health Manage 8:259–265

    Google Scholar 

  • Blanco S, Ector L, Huck V, Monnier O, Cauchie HM, Hoffmann L, Becares E (2008) Diatom assemblages and water quality assessment in the Duero Basin (NW Spain). Belg J Bot 141:39–50

    Google Scholar 

  • Blinn DW (1995) Diatom community structure along salinity gradients in Australian saline lakes: biogeographic comparisons with other continents. In: Kociolek JP, Sullivan MJ (eds) A century of diatom research in North America: a tribute to the distinguished careers of Charles W. Reimer and Ruth Patrick. Koeltz Scientific Books, Champaign, pp 163–174

    Google Scholar 

  • Butcher RW (1947) Studies in the ecology of rivers. IV. The algae of organically enriched water. J Ecol 35:186–191

    Google Scholar 

  • Cattaneo A, Prairie YT (1995) Temporal variability in the chemical characteristics along the Rivie`re de l’Achigan: how many samples are necessary to describe stream chemistry. Can J Fish Aquat Sci 52:828–835

    Google Scholar 

  • Cemagref (1982) Etude de Methodes Biologiques Quantitatives Appreciation de la Qualité des Eaux. Rapport Q.E. Lyon-A.F.B. Rhone- Mediterrannée-Corse 218

    Google Scholar 

  • Chessman BC, Bate N, Gell PA, Newall P (2007) A diatom species index for bioassessment of Australian rivers. Mar Freshw Res 58:542–557

    Google Scholar 

  • Cholnoky BJ (1968) Die Ökologie der Diatomeen in Binnengewässern. J Cramer, Lehre

    Google Scholar 

  • Coste M (1987 ) Study of quantitative biological methods of appreciation of the quality of the water. Report qulities division iyon waters agency i water rhone, 28

    Google Scholar 

  • Coste M, Ayphassorho H (1991) Etude de la qualité des eaux du bassin Artois Picardie à l’aide des communautés de diatomées benthiques (Application des indices diatomiques), Rapport Cemagref Bordeaux — Agence de l’Eau Artois Picardie, p 227

    Google Scholar 

  • Cremer H, Gore D, Hultzsch N, Melles M (2004) The diatom flora and limnology of lake in the Amery Oasis, East Antarctica. Polar Biol 27:513–531

    Google Scholar 

  • Dadheech PK, Srivastava P, Sharma KP (2000) Status of phycodiversity of Rajasthan State (India) in the New Millennium. In: National symposium on phycology in the New Millennium, Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, University of Madras, Chennai, p 14

    Google Scholar 

  • Dela-Cruz J, Pritchard T, Gordon G, Ajani P (2006) The use of periphytic diatoms as a means of assessing impacts of point source inorganic nutrient pollution in south-eastern Australia. Freshw Biol 51:951–972

    Google Scholar 

  • DellUomo A (1996) Assessment of water quality of an Apennine river as a pilot study for diatom-based monitoring of Italian watercourses. In: Whitton BA, Rott E (eds) Studia student. G.m.b.H., Innsbruck, pp 65–72

    Google Scholar 

  • Denys L (2004) Relation of abundance-weighted averages of diatom indicator values to measured environmental conditions in standing freshwaters. Ecol Ind 4(2004):255–275

    Google Scholar 

  • Descy JP (1979) A new approach to water quality estimation using Diatoms. Nova Hedwigia, Heft 64

    Google Scholar 

  • Descy JP, Coste M (1991) A test of methods for assessing water quality based on diatoms. Verh Int Ver Theor Angew Lim 24:2112–2116

    Google Scholar 

  • Desikachary TV (1959) Cyanophyta. Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, p 700

    Google Scholar 

  • Desikachary TV (1988) Marine diatoms of the Indian Ocean region. In: Desikachary TV (ed) Atlas of diatoms. Fasc.V. Madras Science Foundation, Madras, pp 1–13

    Google Scholar 

  • Desikachary TV (1989) Marine diatoms of the Indian Ocean region. In: Desikachary TV (ed) Atlas of diatoms. Fasc.VI. Madras Science Foundation, Madras, pp 1–27

    Google Scholar 

  • Desikachary TV, Prema P (1987) Diatoms from the Bay of Bengal. In: Desikachary TV (ed) Atlas of diatoms. Fasc. III. Madras Science Foundation, Madras, pp 1–10

    Google Scholar 

  • Desikachary TV, Ranjitha Devi KA (1986) Marine fossil diatoms from India and Indian Ocean region. In: Desikachary TV (ed) Atlas of diatoms. Fasc. I. Madras Science Foundation, Madras, pp 1–77

    Google Scholar 

  • Desikachary TV, Gowthaman S, Latha Y (1987) Diatom flora of some sediments from the Indian Ocean region. In: Desikachary TV (ed) Atlas of diatoms. Fasc. II. Madras Science Foundation, Madras, pp 78–221

    Google Scholar 

  • Duong TT, Coste M, Feurtet-Mazel A, Dang DK, Gold C, Park YS, Boudou A (2006) Impact of urban pollution from the Hanoi area on benthic diatom communities collected from the red, Nhue and Tolich rivers (Vietnam). Hydrobiologia 563:201–216

    Google Scholar 

  • Duong TT, Feurtet-Mazel A, Coste M, Dang DK, Boudou A (2007) Dynamics of diatom colonization process in some rivers influenced by urban pollution (Hanoi, Vietnam). Ecol Ind 7:839–851

    Google Scholar 

  • Ehrenberg CG (1854) Mikrogeologie. Das Erden und Felsen schaffende Wirken des unsichtbar kleinen selbstständigen Lebens auf der Erde. Leopold Voss, Leipzig, p xxviii

    Google Scholar 

  • Eloranta P (1995) Type and quality of river waters in central Finland described using diatom indices. In: Marino D, Montresor M (eds) Proceedings of the 13th international diatom symposium, 1994. Biopress, Bristol, pp 271–280

    Google Scholar 

  • Eloranta P, Kwandrans J (1996) Distribution and ecology of freshwater red algae (Rhodophyta) in some central Finnish rivers. Nord J Bot 16(1):107–117

    Google Scholar 

  • Eloranta P, Andersson K (1998) Diatom indices in water quality monitoring of some South-Finnish rivers. Verh. Internat. Verein. Limnol. 26:1213–1215

    Google Scholar 

  • Eloranta P, Soininen J (2002) Ecological status of some Finnish rivers evaluated using benthic diatom communities. J Appl Phycol 14:1–7

    Google Scholar 

  • Fawzi B, Loudiki M, Oubraim S, Sabour B, Chlaida M (2002) Impact of wastewater effluent on the diatom assemblages structure of a brackish small stream: Oued Hassar (Morocco). Limnologica 32:54–65

    Google Scholar 

  • Fjerdingstad E (1950) The microflora of the River Molleaa with special reference to the relation of benthic algae to pollution. Folia Limnol Scandanavica 5:1–123

    Google Scholar 

  • Fore LS, Grafe C (2002) Using diatoms to assess the biological condition of large rivers in Idaho (U.S.A.). Freshw Biol 47:2015–2037. doi:10.1046/J.1365-2427.2002.00948.X

    Google Scholar 

  • Fritz SC, Juggins S, Battarbee RW (1993) Diatom assemblages and ionic characterisation of lakes of the Northern Great Plains, North America. A tool for reconstructing past salinity and climate fluctuations. Can J Fish Aquat Sci 50:1844–1856

    Google Scholar 

  • Fritz SC, Cumming BF, Gasse F, Laird KR (1999) Diatoms as indicators of hydrologic and climatic change in saline lakes. In: Stoermer EF, Smol JP (eds) The diatoms: applications for the environmental and earth sciences. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 41–72

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1955) A contribution to our knowledge of the freshwater diatoms of Pratapgarh, Rajasthan. J Indian Bot Soc 34:304–338

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1956a) A contribution to the freshwater Diatomaceae of S. Western India—I. Freshwater diatoms of Dharwar. J Indian Bot Soc 35:194–202

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1956b) A preliminary account of the soil diatom of Kolhapur. J Indian Bot Soc 35:402–408

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1957a) A contribution to our knowledge of the diatom genus Pinnularia. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 54:845–853

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1957b) Some common freshwater diatoms from Gersoppa-falls (Jog-Falls). J Poona Univ Sci Sect 12:13–21

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1957c) The freshwater diatoms from Radhanagari—Kolhapur. Ceylon J Sci (Biol Sect) 1:45–47

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1958b) Freshwater diatoms from Kolhapur and its immediate environs. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 55:493–511

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1958c) The freshwater diatoms flora of the Hirebhasgar Dam area, Mysore State. J Indian Bot Soc 37:249–265

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1959a) Fresh-water diatoms from Sagar in the Mysore State. J Indian Bot Soc 38:305–331

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1959b) Freshwater diatom flora of the Panhalgarh Hill Fort in the Kolaphur district. Hydrobiologia 14:93–129

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1959c) Notes on the Diatomaceae from Ahmedabad and its environs-II. On the diatom flora of fountain reservoirs of the Victoria Gardens. Hydrobiologia 14:130–146

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1959d) The freshwater diatom flora from Mugad, Dharwar District with some ecological notes. Ceylon J Sci (Biol Sect) 2:98–116

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1960a) On the diatom flora of some ponds around Vasna village near Ahmedabad. J Indian Bot Soc 39:558–567

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1960b) Some new diatoms from the Jog Falls, Mysore State. J R Microsc Soc 79:81–84

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1960c) The diatom flora of the Bombay and Salsette Islands. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 57:78–123

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1961) Notes on the Diatomaceae of Ahmedabad and its environs. Hydrobiologia 17:218–236

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1962b) Some freshwater diatoms from Lonawala Hill Station in the Bombay State (Maharashtra). Hydrobiologia 20:128–154

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1962c) The diatom flora of the Bombay and Salsette Islands. II. Nova Hedwig 3:469–505

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1966) The fresh-water diatom flora of the Jog-Falls, Mysore State. Nova Hedwig 11:89–197

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1967) Notes on Diatomaceae from Ahmedabad and its environs. VI. On some diatoms from fountain reservoirs of Seth Sarabhai’s Garden. Hydrobiologia 30:248–272

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1970) A further contribution to the diatom flora of the Jog Falls, Mysore State. Nova Hedwig 31:633–652

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP (1998) Fresh-water diatoms of Central Gujarat. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehra Dun

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP, Vora AB, Mohan DJ (1983a) Fossil diatoms from Baltal, Karewa beds of Kashmir. Curr Trends Geol VI (Climate and Geology of Kashmir) 6:61–68

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP, Mohan DJ, Vora AB (1983b) Preliminary observation on Baltal and Ara sediments, Kashmir. In: Proceedings of the Xth Indian colloquium on micropalaeontology and stratigraphy, pp 555–570

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP, Vora AB, Mohan DJ (1983c) Review of the fossil Diatomflora, of the Karewa beds of Kashmir. Curr Trends Geol VI (Climate and Geology of Kashmir) 6:57–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi HP, Vora AB, Mohan DJ (1986) Ecology of diatoms from the Karewa beds of Baltal area, Kashmir, India. In: Proceedings of the Xth Indian colloquium on micropalaeontology and stratigraphy, bulletin of geological, mining and metallurgical society of India, Part II (Stratigraphy and Microflora) No 54, pp 159–161

    Google Scholar 

  • Gell PA (1997) The development of a diatom database for inferring lake salinity towards a quantitative approach for reconstructing past climates. Aust J Bot 45:389–423

    Google Scholar 

  • Gell PA (1998) Quantitative reconstructions of the Holocene palaeosalinity of paired crater lakes based on a diatom transfer function. Palaeoclimates 31(1–3):83–96

    Google Scholar 

  • Gell P, Bulpin S, Wallbrink P, Hancock G, Bickford S (2005) Tareena Billagong—apalaeolimnological history of an ever-changing wetland, chowilla floodplain, lower murrayDarling Basin, Australia. Mar Freshw Res 56:441–56

    Google Scholar 

  • Goma J, R Ortiz, Cambra J, Ector L (2004) Water quality evaluation in Catalonian Mediterranean rivers using epilithic diatoms as bioindicators. Vie et Milieu—Life Environ 54:81–90

    Google Scholar 

  • Goma J, Rimet F, Cambra J, Hoffmann L, Ector L (2005) Diatom communities and water quality assessment in Mountain rivers of the upper Segre basin (La Cerdanya Oriental Pyrenees). Hydrobiologia 551:209–225

    Google Scholar 

  • Gomez N, Licursi M (2001) The pampean diatom index (IDP) for assessment of rivers and streams in Argentina. Aquat Ecol 35:173–181

    Google Scholar 

  • Gonzalves EA, Gandhi HP (1952) A systematic account of the diatoms of Bombay and Salsette I. J Indian Bot Soc 31:117–151

    Google Scholar 

  • Gonzalves EA, Gandhi HP (1953) A systematic account of the diatoms of Bombay and Salsette—II. J Indian Bot Soc 32:239–263

    Google Scholar 

  • Gonzalves EA, Gandhi HP (1954) A systematic account of the diatoms of Bombay and Salsette—III. J Indian Bot Soc 33:338–350

    Google Scholar 

  • Gurbuz H, Kivrak E (2002) Use of epilithic diatoms to evaluate water quality in the Karasu River of Turkey. J Environ Biol 23:239–246

    Google Scholar 

  • Harding JPC, Kelly MG (1999) Recent developments in the use of algae to monitor rivers in the U.K. In: Prygiel J, Whitton BA, Bukowska J (eds) Use of algae for monitoring rivers III. Agence de l’Eau Artois-Picardie, Douai, pp 26–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Hurlimann J, Niederhauser P (2002) Methode détude et d’appréciation de l’état de santé des cours d’eau: Diatome es - niveau R (région). Office Fédéral de l’Environnment, des Forêts et des Paysages, Berne, 1–111

    Google Scholar 

  • Jakher GR, Bhargava SC, Sinha RK (1990) Comparative limnology of Sambhar and Didwana Lake (Rajasthan, NW India). Hydrobiologia 197:245–256

    Google Scholar 

  • Jasprica N, Hafner D, Batistic M, Kapetanovic T (2005) Phytoplankton in three freshwater lakes in the Neretva River delta (Eastern Adriatic, NE Mediterranean). Nova Hedwig 81(1–2):37–54

    Google Scholar 

  • John J (1983) The diatom flora of the Swan River estuary, Western Australia. Bibl Phycol 64:1–359. J Cramer Veduz 360

    Google Scholar 

  • John J (1993c) Palaeolimnology of North Lake, Perth, Western Australia, based on diatom assemblages. In: Bowdrey G, Hope GS (eds) Sixth international palaeolimnology symposium, Australia National University, Canberra, p 49

    Google Scholar 

  • John J (1998) Diatoms: tools for bioassessment of river health. Report to Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation, Canberra, 388 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • John J (2000) Diatom prediction and classification system for urban streams. LWRRDC Canberra

    Google Scholar 

  • Juttner I, Sharma S, Dahal BM, Ormerod SJ, Chimonides PJ, Cox EJ (2003) Diatoms as indicators of stream quality in the Kathmandu valley and Middle Hills of Nepal and India. Freshw Biol 48:2065–2084

    Google Scholar 

  • Kalyoncu H, Cicek NL, Akkoz C, Ozcelik R (2009) Epilithic diatoms from the Darioren stream (Isparta/Turkey): biotic indices and multivariate analysis. Fresen Environ Bull 18:1236–1242

    Google Scholar 

  • Kalyoncu H, Cicek NL, Akkoz C, Yorulmaz B (2009b) Comparative performance of diatom indices in aquatic pollution assessment. Afr J Agric Res 4: 1032–1040

    Google Scholar 

  • Karthick B, Kociolek JP (2011) Four new centric diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) from the Western Ghats, South India. Phytotaxa 22:25–40

    Google Scholar 

  • Karthick B, Krithika H, Alakananda B (2008) Short guide to common freshwater diatom genera (Poster). Energy and Wetlands Research Group, CES, IISc, Bangalore

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelly MG (1998a) Use of community-based indices to monitor eutrophication in rivers. Environ Conserv 25:22–29 (in press)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelly MG (1998b) Use of the trophic diatom index to monitor eutrophication in rivers. Wat Res 32:236–242

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelly MG (2002) Role of benthic diatoms in the implementation of the urban wastewater treatment directive in the river wear, North-East England. J Appl Phycol 14:9–18

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelly MG, Whitton BA (1995a) The trophic diatom index: a new index for monitoring eutrophication in rivers. J Phys 7:433–444

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelly MG, Whitton BA (1995b) The trophic diatom index: a new index for monitoring eutrophication in rivers. J Appl Phycol 7:433–444

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelly M, Telford RJ (2007) Common fresh water diatoms of Britain and Ireland: an interactive identifications key (CD ROM). Environment Agency, UK

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelly MG, Haigh A, Colette J, Zgrundo A (2009a) Effect of environmental improvements on the diatoms of the River Axe, southern England. Fottea 9:343–349

    Google Scholar 

  • Kolkwitz R, Marsson M (1908) Okologie der pflanzlichen Saprobien. Berichte der Deuts chen Botanischen Gesellschaft 26A:505–519

    Google Scholar 

  • Koster D, Hubener T (2001) Application of diatom indices in a planted ditch constructed for tertiary sewage treatment in Schwaan, Germany. Int Rev Hydrobiol 86:241–252

    Google Scholar 

  • Krammer K, Lange-Bertalot H (1986) Bacillariophyceae. 1. Teil: Naviculaceae. In: Ettl H, Gerloff J, Heynig H, Mollenhauer D (eds) Süsswasser flora von Mitteleuropa, Band 2/1. Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart, New York, p 876

    Google Scholar 

  • Krammer K, Lange-Bertalot H (1988) Bacillariophyceae. 2. Teil: Bacillariaceae, Epithemiaceae, Surirellaceae. In: Ettl H, Gerloff J, Heynig H, Mollenhauer D (eds) Süsswasserflora von Mitteleuropa, Band 2/2. VEB Gustav Fischer Verlag, Jena, p 596

    Google Scholar 

  • Krammer K, Lange-Bertalot H (1991a) Bacillariophyceae. 3. Teil: Centrales, Fragilariaceae, Eunotiaceae. In: Ettl H, Gerloff J, Heynig H, Mollenhauer D (eds) Süsswasserflora von Mitteleuropa, Band 2/3. Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart, Jena, p 576

    Google Scholar 

  • Krammer K, Lange-Bertalot H (1991b) Bacillariophyceae. 4. Teil: Achnanthaceae, Kritische Ergänzungen zu Navicula (Lineolatae) und Gomphonema, Gesamtliteraturverzeichnis Teil 1-4. In: Ettl H, Gärtner G, Gerloff J, Heynig H, Mollenhauer D (eds) Süsswasserflora von Mitteleuropa, Band 2/4. Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart, Jena, p 437

    Google Scholar 

  • Krishnamurthy V (1954) A contribution to the diatom flora of South India. J Indian Bot Soc 33:354–381

    Google Scholar 

  • Kumar A, Sharma LL, Aery NC (2008) Physicochemical characteristics and diatoms as indicators of trophic status of Kishore Sagar, Rajasthan. In: Proceedings of Taal 2007: 12th world lake conference, pp 1804–1809

    Google Scholar 

  • Kumar A, Sharma LL, Aery NC (2009) Physicochemical characteristics and diatom diversity of Jawahar Sagar—a wetland of Rajasthan. Sarovar Saurabh 5(1):8–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Kupe L, Schanz F, Bachofen R (2008) Biodiversity in the benthic diatom community in the upper river toss reflected in water quality indices. Clean: Soil Air Water 36:84–91

    Google Scholar 

  • Kwandrans J, Eloranta P, Kawecka B, Wojtan K (1998) Use of benthic diatom communities to evaluate water quality in rivers of southern Poland. J Appl Phycol 10:193–200

    Google Scholar 

  • Lange-Bertalot H (1979) Pollution tolerance of diatoms as a criterion for water quality estimation. Nova Hedwig 64:285–304

    Google Scholar 

  • Lavoie I, Hamilton PB, Wang YK, Dillon PJ, Campeau S (2009) A comparison of stream bioassessment in Quebec (Canada) using six European and North American diatom-based indices. Nova Hedwig 35:37–56

    Google Scholar 

  • Leclerq L, Maquet B (1987) Deux nouveaux indices chimique et diatomique de qualité d’eau courante. Application au Samson et àses affluents (bassin de la Meuse belge). Comparaison avec d’autres indices chimiques, biocénotiques et diatomiques. Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique, documented travail 28

    Google Scholar 

  • Lecointe C, Coste M Prygiel J (2003) Omnidia 3.2. Diatom Index Software Including Diatom Database with Taxonomic Names, References and Codes of 11645 Diatom Taxa

    Google Scholar 

  • Legendre P, Legendre L (1998) Numerical ecology, 2nd English edn. Elsevier, Amsterdam

    Google Scholar 

  • Lenoir A, Coste M (1996) Development of a practical diatom index of overall water quality applicable to the French national water board network. In: Whitton BA, Rott E (eds) Use of algae for monitoring rivers II. Institut für Botanik, Universität Innsbruck, pp 29–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Lobo EA, Bes D, Tudesque L, Ector L (2004a) Water quality assessment of the Pardinho river, RS, Brazil, using epilithic diatom assemblages and faecal coliforms as biologica indicators. Vie et Milieu—Life Environ 54:115–125

    Google Scholar 

  • Lobo EA, Callegaro VLM, Hermany G, Gomez N, Ector L (2004b) Review of the use of microalgae in South America for monitoring rivers, with special reference to diatoms. Vie et Milieu—Life Environ 54:105–114

    Google Scholar 

  • Lowe RL (1974) Environmental requirements and pollution tolerance of freshwater diatoms. Environmental monitoring series. National Environmental Research Center, Cincinnati, Ohio

    Google Scholar 

  • Ludwig John A, Reynolds JF (1988) Statistical ecology: a primer of methods and computing. Wiley Press, New York, p 337

    Google Scholar 

  • Maznah WOW, Mansor M (2002) Aquatic pollution assessment based on attached diatom communities in the Pinang River Basin, Malaysia. Hydrobiologia 487:229–241

    Google Scholar 

  • McBride P, Selkirk J (1998) Palaeo lake diatoms on subarntartic Macquarie Island: possible markers of climate change. In: John J (ed) 15th International diatom symposium abstracts

    Google Scholar 

  • McCormick PV, Cairns J Jr (1994) Algae as indicators of environmental change. J Appl Phycol 6:509–526

    Google Scholar 

  • McCormick PV, Stevenson RJ (1989) Effects of snail grazing on benthic algal community structure in different nutrient environments. J North Am Benthol Soc 82:162–172

    Google Scholar 

  • Mishra KN (2006) Impact of Sugar industries effluent on species diversity and algal productivity at Shahganj (Jaunpur) U.P. Human population natural resources. Jaspal Prakashan Patna (Bihar), pp 103–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Mishra UC, Mishra KN (2002) Species richness and Shannon diversity indices of diatomic community in Gomati water influenced from Jaunpur city sewage. In: Proceedings of 89th plant science section of Indian science congress Lucknow, p 58

    Google Scholar 

  • Ndiritu GG, Gichuki NN, Triest L (2006) Distribution of epilithic diatoms in response to environmental conditions in an urban tropical stream, Central Kenya. Biodivers Conserv 15:3267–3293

    Google Scholar 

  • Newall P, Walsh CJ (2005) Response of epilithic diatom assemblages to urbanization influences. Hydrobiologia 532:53–67

    Google Scholar 

  • Palmer CM (1962) Algae in water supplies. US Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington

    Google Scholar 

  • Pan Y, Stevenson RJ, Hill BH, Herlihy AT, Collins G B (1996) Using diatoms as indicators of ecological conditions in lotic systems: a regional assessment.J North Am Benthol Soc 15(4):481–495

    Google Scholar 

  • Pantle R, Buck H (1955) Die biologischeUberwaswaschung der Gewässer und die Darstellung der Ergebnisse. Gas Wasserfach 96:604

    Google Scholar 

  • Patil SB, Kumawat DA (2007) Studies on the Centric diatoms from Abhora Dam of Jalgaon District, Maharashtra. Research Link 345(9):154–155

    Google Scholar 

  • Patrick R (1949) A proposed biological measure of stream conditions based on a survey of the Conestoga basin, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Proc Acad Nat Sci Philadelphia 101:277–341

    Google Scholar 

  • Patrick R (1961) A study of the numbers and kinds of species found in rivers of the Eastern United States. Proc Acad Nat Sci Philadelphia 113:215–258

    Google Scholar 

  • Patrick R, Reimer CW (1966) The diatoms of the United States, exclusive of Alaska and Hawaii, Volume 1-Fragilariaceae, Eunotiaceae, Achnanthaceae, Naviculaceae. Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia Monograph No 13, p 688

    Google Scholar 

  • Patrick R, Reimer CW (1975) The diatoms of the United States, exclusive of Alaska and Hawaii, Volume 2, Part 1-Entomoneidaceae, Cymbellaceae, Gomphonemaceae, Epithemaceae. Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia Monograph No 13, p 213

    Google Scholar 

  • Patrick R, Strawbridge D (1963) Variation in the structure of natural diatom communities. Am Nat 97:51–57

    Google Scholar 

  • Patrick R, Hohn MH, Wallace JH (1954) A new method for determining the pattern of the diatom flora. Notulae Naturae, No 259

    Google Scholar 

  • Porter SD, Mueller DK, Spahr NE, Munn MD, Dubrovsky NM (2008) Efficacy of algal metrics for assessing nutrient and organic enrichment in flowing waters. Freshw Biol 53:1036–1054

    Google Scholar 

  • Potapova M, Charles DF (2003) Distribution of benthic diatoms in U.S. rivers in relation to conductivity and ionic composition. Freshw Biol 48:1311–1328

    Google Scholar 

  • Potapova M, Hamilton PB (2007) Morphological and ecological variation within the Achnanthidium minutissimum (Bacillariophyceae) species complex. J Phycol 43:561–575

    Google Scholar 

  • Prygiel J (2002) Management of the diatom monitoring networks in France. J Appl Phycol 14:19–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Prygiel J, Coste M (1993) The assessment of water quality in the Artois-Picardie water basin (France) by the use of diatom indices. Hydrobiologia 269(279):343–349

    Google Scholar 

  • Prygiel J, Leveque L, Iserentant R (1996) Un nouvel indice diatomique pratique pour l’évaluation de la qualité des eaux en réseau de surveillance. Rev Sci Eau 1:97–113

    Google Scholar 

  • Prygiel J, Coste M, Bukowska J (1999) Review of the major diatom-based techniques for the quality assessment of rivers-state of the art in Europe. In: Prygiel J, Whitton BA, Bukowska H (eds) Use of algae for monitoring rivers III, pp 224–238

    Google Scholar 

  • Rimet F (2012) Recent views on river pollution and diatoms. Hydrobiologia 683:1–24. doi:10.1007/s10750-011-0949-0

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosati TC, Johansen JR, Coburn MM (2003) Cyprinid fishes as samplers of benthic diatom communities in freshwater streams of varying water quality. Can J Fish Aquat Sc 60:117–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Rott E (1991) Methodological aspects and perspectives in the use of periphyton for monitoring and protecting rivers. In: Whitton BA, Rott E, Friedrich G (eds) Use of algae for monitoring rivers. Institut fur Botanik, Universität Innsbruck, pp 9–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Rott E, Hofmann G, Pall K, Pfister P, Pipp E (1997) Indikationslisten für Aufwuchsalgen Teil 1: Saprobielle indikation. Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Wien, Austria, pp 1–73

    Google Scholar 

  • Rott E, Pipp E, Pfister P, Van Dam H, Ortler K, Binder N, Pall K (1998) Indikationslisten für aufwuchsalgen in Österrichischen fliessgewässern. Teil 2: Trophieindikation. Arbeitsgruppe Hydrobotanik, Institut für Botanik, Universitat Innsbruck, Austria, pp 1–248

    Google Scholar 

  • Rott E, Pfister P, Van Dam H, Pipp E, Pall K, Binder N, Ortler K (1999) Indikationslisten fu¨r aufwuchsalgen. Wien. Bundesministerium fu¨r Land - und Forstwirtschaft 248

    Google Scholar 

  • Round FE, Crawford RM and Mann DG (1990) The diatoms: biology and morphology of the genera. Cambridge University Press. pp747

    Google Scholar 

  • Round FE (1991) Use of diatoms for monitoring rivers. In: Whitton BA, Rott E, Friedrich G (eds) Use of algae for monitoring rivers I. STUDIA Studentenf¨orderungs-Ges.m.b.H, Innsbruck. pp 25–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Rumeau A, Coste M (1988) Initiational systematique des diatomées d’eau douce pour l’utilisation pratique d’un indice diatomique générique. Bulletin Franc¸ais de la Pêche et de la Pisciculture 309:1–69

    Google Scholar 

  • Sankaran V (1992) Blue-green algae from brackish water pools. Seaweed Res Utiln 15(1 and 2):207

    Google Scholar 

  • Sankaran V (2002) Algae of the Anamalais hill ranges of Western Ghats-Chlorophyceae. Phykos 41(1 and 2):21–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Sankaran V (2005) Freshwater algal biodiversity of the Anaimalai hill ranges, Tamilnadu-Chlorophyta-Ulotrichales and Ulvales. Indian Hydrobiol 7(Suppl):93–95

    Google Scholar 

  • Sarode PT, Kamat ND (1984) Freshwater diatoms of Maharashtra. Saikripa Prakashan, Aurangabad, 338 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Schiefele S, Kohmann F (1993) Bioindikation der Trophie in Fliessgewassern. Umweltforschungsplan des Bundesministers für Umwelt. Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit, Germany, pp 1–211

    Google Scholar 

  • Schiefele S, Schreiner C (1991) Use of diatoms for monitoring nutrient enrichment acidification and impact salts in Germany and Austria. In: Whitton BA, Rott E, Friedrich G (eds) Use of algae for monitoring rivers. Institüt für Botanik, Universität Innsbruk

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt A (1874–1959) Atlas der diatomaceen-kunde. Band 1, II and III. Tafel 1- 480. Reprint 1984. Koeltz scientific books Koenigstein. Schmidt A, Schmidt M, Fricke F, Heiden H, Muller O, Hustedt F

    Google Scholar 

  • Schoeman FR (1979) Diatoms as indicator of water quality in the upper Hennops River. J Limnol Soc South Afr 5(2):73–78

    Google Scholar 

  • Schoeman FR, Archibald REM (1976) The diatom flora of southern Africa. C.S.I.R. special report WAT 50, Pretoria, South Africa

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh R, Singh R, Singh R, Thakar MK (2006) Diatomological studies from three water bodies of Jaipur. Indian Internet J Forensic Med Toxicol 4:3

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh M, Lodha P, Singh GP (2010) Seasonal diatom variations with reference to physico-chemical properties of water of Mansagar Lake of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Res J Agric Sci 1(4):451–457

    Google Scholar 

  • Skvortzow BW (1935) Diatoms from Calcutta. India Phil J Sci 58:179–192

    Google Scholar 

  • Sladecek V (1986) Diatoms as indicators of organic pollution. Acta Hydrochim Hydrobiol 14:555–566

    Google Scholar 

  • Snoeijs P (1999) Diatoms and environmental change in brackish waters. In: Stoermer EF, Smol JP (eds) The diatoms: applications for the environmental and earth sciences. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 299–333

    Google Scholar 

  • Soininen J, Kononen K (2004) Comparative study of monitoring South Finnish rivers and streams using macroinvertebrate and benthic diatom community structure. Aquat Ecol 38:63–75

    Google Scholar 

  • Solak CN (2011) The application of diatom indices in the Upper Porsuk River, Kütahya-Turkey. Turk J Fish Aquat Sci 11:31–36

    Google Scholar 

  • Somers KM, Lavoie I, Paterson AM, Dillon PJ (2000) Assessing scales of variability in benthic diatom community structure. J Appl Phycol 17:509–513

    Google Scholar 

  • Squires LE, Rushforth SR, Brotherson JD (1979) Algal response to a thermal effluent: study of a power station on the Provo River, Utah, USA. Hydrobiologia 63:17–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Steinberg C, Schiefele S (1988) Biological indication of trophy and pollution of running waters. Z Wasser Wasser-Forsch 21:227–234

    Google Scholar 

  • Stevenson RJ, Pan Y (1999) Assessing environmental conditions in rivers and streams with diatoms. In: Stoermer EF, Smol JP (eds) The diatoms: applications for the environmental and earth sciences. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 11–40

    Google Scholar 

  • Stevenson RJ, Bailey BC, Harass MC (2004) Designing data collection for ecological assessments. In: Barbour MT, Norton SB, Preston HR, Thornton KW (eds) Ecological assessment of aquatic resources: linking science to decision-making. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Pensacola, pp 55–84

    Google Scholar 

  • Stoermer EF, Smol JP (eds) (1999) The Diatoms: applications for the environmental and earth sciences. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK

    Google Scholar 

  • Stoermer EF (2001) Diatom taxonomy for paleolimnologists. J Paleolimnol 25:393–398

    Google Scholar 

  • Subramanian D (2000) New taxa of Nitella from Tamil Nadu. Indian Hydrobiol 3(2):71–80

    Google Scholar 

  • Subramanian D (2001) Charophytes from Kannankulam of Thanjavur district of Tamilnadu. Phykos 40(1 and 2):135–141

    Google Scholar 

  • Tahir A, Olcay O (2011) The diatoms of Asartepe Dam Lake (Ankara), with environmental and some physicochemical properties. Turk J Bot 34(2010):541–548

    Google Scholar 

  • Tang T, Cai QH, Liu JK (2006) Using epilithic diatom communities to assess ecological condition of Xiangxi River system. Environ Monit Assess 112:347–361

    Google Scholar 

  • Tarar JL, Bodhke S (1998) Studies on diatoms of Nagpur. Phykos 37(1–2):104–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor (2004) The application of diatom- based Pollution indices in the vaal catchment Unpublished M. Sc. Thesis, North- West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor JC (2007) The application and testing of diatom-based indices in the Vaal and Wilge Rivers, South Africa. Water SA 33(1):51–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor JC, Janse van Vuuren MS, Pieterse AJH (2007) The application and testing of diatom-based indices in the Vaal and Wilge Rivers, South Africa. Water SA 33(1):51–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Torrisi M, DellUomo A (2006) Biological monitoring of some Apennine rivers (central Italy) using the diatom based eutrophication/pollution index (EPI-D) compared to other European diatom indices. Diatom Res 21:159–174

    Google Scholar 

  • Trivedi RK (1982) Some observations on algal flora of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Phykos 21:106–163

    Google Scholar 

  • Tuchman M, Stevenson RJ (1980) Comparison of clay tile, sterilized rock, and natural substrate diatom communities in a small stream in southeastern Michigan, U.S.A. Hydrobiologia 75:73–79

    Google Scholar 

  • Tyagi GD (1985) Diatoms of Delhi. J.F.M.S. 2(3):18–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Dam H, Mertens A, Sinkeldam J (1994) A coded checklist and ecological indicator values of freshwater diatoms from The Netherlands. Neth J Aquat Ecol 28:117–133

    Google Scholar 

  • Venkatachalapathy R, Karthikeyan P (2012) Environmental impact assessment of Cauvery River with Diatoms at Bhavani, Tamil Nadu, India. Int J Geol Earth Environ Sci 2(3):36–42

    Google Scholar 

  • Venkatachalapathy R, Karthikeyan P (2014) Diatom indices for water quality assessment in Cauvery river, Tamil Nadu. India. Gondwana. Geol Mag 15:109–116

    Google Scholar 

  • Venkatachalapathy R, Nanthakumar G, Karthikeyan P (2014a) Diatoms and water quality assessment of the Yercaud Lake, Salem District, Tamil Nadu. South India. Gondwana. Geol Mag 15:13–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Venkatachalapathy R, Chandra Singh M, Karthikeyan P, Somorjit Singh L, Sanjoy Singh L (2014b) Diatoms as indicators of water quality in Imphal, Nambul, Waishen Rivers and the Loktak Lake, Manipur State, North East India. Gondwana. Geol Mag 15:61–66

    Google Scholar 

  • Venkataraman GS (1957) A contribution to the knowledge of the diatomaceae of Kanya Kumari (Cape Comorin), India. Proc Natl Acad Sci (Sect B) 23:80–88

    Google Scholar 

  • Walsh G, Wepener V (2009) The influence of land use on water quality and diatom community structures in urban and agriculturally stressed rivers. Water SA 35:579–594

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang YK, Stevenson RJ, Metzmeier L (2005) Development and evaluation of a diatom-based index of biotic integrity for the interior Plateau ecoregion, USA. J North Am Benthol Soc 24:990–1008

    Google Scholar 

  • Watanabe T, Asai K, Houki A (1986) Numerical estimation of organic pollution of flowing waters by using the epilithic diatom assemblage-diatom assemblage index (DIApo). Sci Total Environ 55:209–218

    Google Scholar 

  • Whitton BA, Rott E (eds) (1996) Use of algae for monitoring rivers II. Institut für Botanik, Universität Innsbruck, p 196

    Google Scholar 

  • Wood EJF (1961a) Studies on Australian and New Zealand diatoms IV. Descriptions of further sedentary species. Trans R Soc NZ 33(4):699–698

    Google Scholar 

  • Wood EJF, Crosby LH, Cassie V (1959) Studies on Australian and New Zealand diatoms III. Descriptions of further discoid species. Trans R Soc NZ 87(3,4):211–219

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu JT (1999) A generic index of diatom assemblages as bioindicator of pollution in the Keelung River of Taiwan. Hydrobiologia 397:79–87

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu J-T, Kow L-T (2002a) Applicability of a generic index for diatom assemblages to monitor pollution in the tropical River Tsanwun, Taiwan. J Appl Phycol 14:63–69

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu JT, Kow LT (2002b) Applicability of a generic index for diatom assemblages to monitor pollution in the tropical River Tsanwun, Taiwan. J Appl Phycol 14:63–69

    Google Scholar 

  • Iyengar MOP, Desikachary TV (1981) Volvocales. ICAR, New Delhi, p 532

    Google Scholar 

  • Yallop M, Hirst H, Kelly M (2006) Validation of ecological status concepts in UK rivers using historic diatom samples. Aquat Bot 90:289–95

    Google Scholar 

  • Zelinka M, Marvan P (1961) Zur Proazisierung der biologischen Klassifikation des Reinheit fliessenderGewasser. Archiv für. Hydrobiologie 57:389–407

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, Periyar University, Salem, 636 011, India

    R. Venkatachalapathy & P. Karthikeyan

Authors
  1. R. Venkatachalapathy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. P. Karthikeyan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to R. Venkatachalapathy .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. and South East Asia Carbonate Laboratory (SeaCarl), Universiti Teknologi Petronas,, Periyar University,Depatment of Geology,Salem,India, Tronoh, Malaysia

    Mu. Ramkumar

  2. Department of Geography, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India

    K Kumaraswamy

  3. Department of Environmental Management, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India

    R. Mohanraj

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Venkatachalapathy, R., Karthikeyan, P. (2015). Application of Diatom-Based Indices for Monitoring Environmental Quality of Riverine Ecosystems: A Review. In: Ramkumar, M., Kumaraswamy, K., Mohanraj, R. (eds) Environmental Management of River Basin Ecosystems. Springer Earth System Sciences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-13425-3_28

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics