Code: FDT
Site types that use this protocol: Lakes - Rivers
Diatoms are a diverse group of unicellular algae and are well-established as sensitive biological indicators of surface water quality due to the narrow tolerance of individual species to environmental parameters such as pH and nutrient availability. Diatoms grow attached to submerged stones within certain zones of lakes and streams and are easy to sample in most freshwaters in a replicable manner. The sampling procedure adopted by ECN is simple and follows that used for the United Kingdom Upland Waters Monitoring Network.
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