Algal Diversity Along the Serbian Stretch of the Sava River

Abstract

Phytoplankton analysis is an essential part in water quality monitoring and predicting changes in aquatic ecosystems. In this study we investigated structure and diversity of algal communities along the Serbian stretch of the Sava River. We detected 109 species in four sampling localities (Bosut, Sremska Mitrovica, Jarak and Makiš). Species richness increases from Bosut to Jarak. However, a sudden decrease of species richness was recorded in the Makiš locality, probably due to increased pollution. Divisive numerical classification separates species with relatively narrow distribution (that are grouped in three clusters) from more common species (that form four clusters). Correspondence analysis clearly separates upper-stream sites (Bosut and Sremska Mitrovica) from down-stream sites Jarak and Makiš.