Diatom Diversity in the Spring and Spring-fed River of Tizab Region (Central Alborz), Iran

Diatoms are the most diverse algae in aquatic ecosystems and springs are valuable as the biodiversity conservative habit and a crucial source of drinking water for mankind. Therefore, study of springs’ algal flora biodiversity leads us to know more about conservation process. In this research, the diatom biodiversity of Tizab Spring and the spring-fed river was studied in summer and autumn 2017 for the first time. Thirty-three species were identified from which two species (Achnanthidium pyrenicum (Hustedt) H. Kobayasi and Caloneis aerophila W. Bock) are new records for diatom flora of Iran. The data revealed the flora is much similar to Karaj River flora. This similarity can be due to close geographical locations, as both rivers are located in the Central Alborz region. The distribution pattern of species was studied in Iran based on present references on Iranian aquatic ecosystems. This study presented that two-third of diatom species had a widespread distribution. Iranian flora data in comparison with European and American database showed that most species are the elements of the northern hemisphere. Diatom biodiversity studies in Central Alborz region is in its first steps. Therefore, much research is needed to reveal the diatom biodiversity and the potentiality of new species in this region.