Assessment of a lotic ecosystem by using diatomic indices (Epipelic Algae)‎, Iraq

Abstract EN

Benthic diatoms are considered as bio-indicators in lotic ecosystems.

The present study is conducted to assess the environmental status of Al-Shamiya river by applying of diatomic indices (epipelic diatom).

Fifteen diatomic indices were used in this study.

Saprobic index, Pollution Tolerance Index, Palmer Pollution Index, Percent Sensitive Species and Index of Pollution Sensitivity were used as pollution indices.

While trophies indices were trophic State Index, Trophic Diatom Index, Diatomic Index, Generic Diatomic Index and Biological water Quality.

Furthermore, the study included the diversity indices such as Simpson index, Richness Index, Shannon-Weaver Index, Evenness Index and McIntoch Diversity Index.

According to these indices the quality of the river is ranged from less polluted to moderate pollutes., as well as, they indicate the trophic status of the river.