Surface sediment and phytoplankton diatoms across a trophic gradient in tropical reservoirs: new records for Brazil and São Paulo State

Abstract

ABSTRACT This, study aimed to inventory the diatom flora of tropical reservoirs from southeastern region of Brazil under oligo- to hypereutrophic conditions. We collected diatom samples from the surface sediment and phytoplankton (summer and winter) in 41 sites (ten reservoirs). Seventy-eight taxa, distributed in 28 genera, were identified in the surface sediment and phytoplankton samples. Nizschia was the most representative genus, with nine species. Six taxa represent new records for Brazil and six for São Paulo State; ten taxa were identified at the genus level and probably represent new species. Additionally, this study contributed with data on the ecology of the species and evidenced the necessity of floristic surveys to improve the knowledge about tropical diatom biodiversity.

Keywords

• biodiversity
• diatom flora
• ecology