Composition of the diatom community of the Shahroud River and its tributaries (Qazvin water basin)

The floral composition, including algae, of the Qazvin basin, is poorly known. This basin is located on a mountain range that is a very important place in the world for its biodiversity and endemism, generated by the geological and topographic complexity. In this project we will identify the diatoms (silica algae) that inhabit the Shahroud River, collected from seven stations along the river, and compare and complement with chemical and physical data from the water also collected at the stations. The main aims of this project are: 1) to characterize the diatom composition of the river, upstream and downstream, 2) identify sites of pollution as indicated by diatoms and physico-chemical data, and, 3) to assess and characterize the water quality of the river. Results from this research are significant as they will help to contribute to the understanding of the biogeography of the diatoms in this region, and assess water quality of the basin.

Faculty Supervisor:

Maria Velez

Student:

Partner:

Islamic Azad University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Life Sciences (not health); Sustainability & the Environment; Natural Resources

University:

University of Regina

Program: