Floristic study on the algae of Siahdarvishan River in Guilan Province, North Iran

In the present study the freshwater algae of Siahdarvishan River were sampled on a montly basis from December 2007 through November 2008. Three sampling stations (Gaght roudkhan, Shahkezr dame and Talab laleh) were chosen in the river. Some physical and chemical parameters (water temperature, total hardness, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and pH) of water samples were measured. A total of 84 species were identified including: Chlorophyta, 36 species; Cyanophyta, 24 species; Bacillariophyta, 20 species; Rhodophyta, 2 species; Euglenophyta and Xanthophyta each with 1 species. Among the families, Oscillatoriaceae with 14 species showed the highest species richness. Taxonomic keys to genera and species are presented to facilitate the identification of algal flora of the region.