Epilithic Diatoms in the River Spreča Affected by Urban and Industrial Pollution, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Benthic diatoms have gained prominence as environmental bioindicators since the beginning of the twentieth century. Epilithic diatom taxa are frequently used for ecological water-quality assessments of rivers. Diversity of these dominant group of protists in the benthic communities can be indicative of changes in the freshwater ecosystem. The aim of this study was to analyze the diversity and ecology of diatoms of the Spreča River on the locations affected by urban and industrial pollution. Field sampling of the epilithic diatoms was carried out in the period of May 2021 at two locations, first before and second after the Lukavac city, which is known as industrial city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Taxonomic verification was carried out using light microscope on permanent slides and revealed in total 38 diatom taxa. The genera with the largest number of species were Diatoma, Navicula and Nitzshia. Identified taxa are widespread species that are known for tolerating  high levels of pollution. A slightly higher number of taxa was recorded at the first location, while at the second, a higher proportion of halophilic taxa was observed.