Benthic diatoms as proxy for the ecological conditions of the Ribnica River, Serbia

Abstract

Benthic diatoms of the Ribnica River situated in Valjevo karst area were not studied so far. The objective of this paper is to provide base data on diatom community of the Ribnica River, through diversity, abundance, diatom ecological guilds, and to estimate its preliminary ecological status according to national regulations. Phytobenthos sampling and laboratory work was done by national standards. Analysis of diatom community was based on identification, enumeration, and classification into ecological guilds. Indicative ecological status was assessed according to IPS and CEE diatom indices. At the Ribnica River in total 52 diatom taxa were recorded, and also high taxa richness at each locality. The most frequent and numerous were diatoms Achnanthidium minutissimum, A. pyrenaicum and Encyonopsis subminuta. Low profile ecological guild, typical for fast flowing streams with lower nutrient concentrations was dominant in the Ribnica River. Diatom indices IPS and CEE reviled excellent ecological status.