A review of diatom taxa in acid environments of pH ≤ 3.5 is presented from 28 studies worldwide. Natural sources of pH ≤ 3.5 often occur from volcanic hot springs, or sulphur or lignite cold springs. Anthropogenic sources of acid water are usually associated with acid mine drainage and typically have high levels of heavy metals, particularly iron.
1. pH 4.5-5.0 - Species rich assemblages of diatom flora
2. pH ≤ 3.5 - Species poor assemblages of diatom flora
Diatom flora species richness is considerably less in environments of pH ≤ 3.5, compared to pH 4.5-5.0, suggesting a threshold between pH 3.5-4.5, below which many species are unable to maintain a population.
Contact
Jacqui Meyers
Email
jacqui.meyers@csiro.au
CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems,
PO Box 284,
Canberra ACT 2601
Keywords
diatoms, acidity, empirical data, acidification, pH, sulphur springs, empirical
