Study of Diatoms Flora of Jajrood River

Diatoms are major constituents of algal flora in aquatic ecosystem. This study was conducted in the 140-km Jajrood Rriver from April 2004 through May 2005. Samples were taken on monthly intervals from six stations. Physical parameters such as DO and EC were measured in situ and chemical parameters such as BOD and COD were measured in the laboratory. Samples of Epilithic diatoms were taken using a core device DI 25 cm2, of Epipelic diatoms using a core device DI 16 cm2, and of Epiphytic diatoms by cutting small portions of Microspora and Cladophora. For better observation, cell walls and permanent mounts were prepared using Patricke and Reimer procedure. In this study, 92 species belonging to 21 genera of diatomses were identified. A wide diversity of species was observed in Cymbella, Diatoma, Navicula and Cocconeis