Author

Rajbeer Singh1*, Rachna Nautiyal2 and Prakash Nautiyal3

Abstract

Aim of the study was to estimate the current diversity and distribution of centric diatoms in the lotic (river, stream, spring, irrigation canal), lentic habitats (lake, pond, wetland, ditches), cave-rock, and ephemeral bodies of Doon valley in the lesser Himalayan region. Fifty four stations were sampled, 26 regularly on a monthly basis and 28 only once a year. Samples were processed and investigated accordingly to the standard processor. Centric diatoms taxa were found at eleven stations only (seven lotic and four lentic) out of 54 stations. They comprised fourteen species from seven genera represented by the most species rich genera Cyclotella with four species followed by Discostella with three species, Aulacoseira and Thalassiosira each with two species and Pantocsekiella, Melosira, Stephanodiscus each with single species. Centrales were more predominantly recorded from the lentic system than lotic. In the lotic habitats (stream and spring), five species from six stations were recorded and eleven taxa from four stations in the lentic habitat. Among the lotic habitats, the occurrence of centric diatom was 28% whereas 67% in the lentic habitat. Maximum, eight species were encountered from lake and pond, followed by six species in stream and single species from spring and wetland habitat. C. menenghiniana was recorded the most abundant and frequently encountered taxa present in all stations eleven stations. It was reported maximum nine months at S11. C. atomus, P. ocelata, D. pseudostelligera and D. cf. stelligera were common in lentic habitat where C. meneghiniana, S. parvus A. ambigua and T. pseudonana were comon in both lentic and lotic habitats.

Pages: 199-207

Doi Number 10.61289/jibs2026.10.10.0118

Keywords Centrale, Doon Valley, Lentic, Lotic, Habitats, Abundant