Taxonomic study of epiphytic and epipelic algae in Southern Iraqi marshes

Abstract EN

This study was done in three southern Iraqi marshes (Al-Hammer, Al-Chebiash, Al-Hawiza) during 2006 to identify epiphytic and epidemic algae for six sites (two sites for each marsh), So monthly samples were collected from February 2006 to July 2006 for epiphytic algae on submerged plant (Potamogeton pectinatus L.) with seasonally samples for epipelic algae, The results showed that Cocconeis placentula var.euglypta (Ehr.) Cl., Cocconeis.

pediculus Ehr., Fragilaria capucina Demazieres, Microcystis aeuroginosa kütz were identified as most frequent species by occurrence in all sites, a high total cell number (88116.3) cell × 104 / g was recorded in Al-Chebiash marsh on March 2006 (site3) for epiphytic algae Cymbella affinis (kütz.) while a lowest number (15.6) cell × 104 / g was also recorded in Al-Chebiash marsh for epiphytic species Oedogonium Sp.

On February 2006 (site 3), Also Al-Chebiash marsh was identified as a most abundant marsh for a species diversity during a study period.