Colonization of benthic diatoms at two different depths and sites in Douglas Lake.

Abstract

Since algae is a vital component of aquatic ecosystems, this experiment examined benthic diatom succession at different sites and depths in a freshwater lake. We predicted that an increase in overall diversity and abundance of benthic diatoms would be positively correlated with three variables: time, shallow depths, and sites receiving a relatively high intensity of light. The hypotheses were tested by collecting diatoms on artificial substrata placed at two depths and sites and measuring the total abundance, diversity, and biomass of the diatoms. Results indicated an increased abundance and diversity of diatoms at later times and sites receiving more light, as well as sites that were subject to an optimum amount of disturbance such as waves. We concluded that diatom communities increase over time and light exposure because more genera are able to become significant proportions of the population.