diatom diversity in the spring and springfed river of tizab region (central alborz), iran

Diatoms are the most diverse algae inaquatic ecosystems and springs are valuableas the biodiversity conservative habitand a crucial source of drinking water formankind. therefore, study of springs’ algalflora biodiversity leads us to know moreabout conservation process. in this research,the diatom biodiversity of tizab river andthe spring-fed river was studied in summerand autumn 2017 for the first time. thirtyspecies were identified of which one species(achnanthidium gracillimum f. meister) isa new record for diatom flora of iran. thedata revealed the flora is much similar tokaraj river flora. this similarity can be dueto close geographical locations, as both riversare located in the central alborz region.the distribution pattern of species was studiedin iran based on present references oniranian aquatic ecosystems. this study presentedthat two-third of diatom species hada widespread distribution. iranian flora datain comparison with european and americandatabase showed that most species are theelements of the northern hemisphere. diatombiodiversity studies in central alborzregion is in its first steps. therefore, muchresearches is needed to reveal the diatombiodiversity and the potentiality of new speciesin this region.