Qualitative Composition and Ecological Characteristics of Epiphytic Algal Assemblages in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

The main characteristic of epiphytes is that they are attached algae or microorganisms on the surface of plants that are submerged in water or are present on the surface of the water habitat. In aquatic ecosystems, it has been shown that these forms of cohabitation have a great influence on the surrounding environment since epiphytic algae systems increase the complexity of the habitat and provide larger surface areas for colonization of invertebrates and other smaller organisms. To assess the diversity of epiphytic cyanobacteria and algae, stoneworts (Chara virgata), moss (Fontinalis antipyretica) and several aquatic macrophytes (Calitriche palustris, Ceratophylum demersum, Nuphar lutea, Nymphaea alba, Potamogeton natans and Ranunculus aquatilis) were studied. In the qualitative and quantitative composition of epiphytic cyanobacteria of algae identified from different macroalgae and aquatic macrophytes sampled at selected localities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a total of 46 taxa were found. Identified taxa belong to the following classes: Bacillariophyceae (31 species or 68,89%), Zygnematophyceae (5 species or 11,11%), Chlorophyceae (2 species or 4,44%), Cyanophyceae (2 species or  4,44%), Trebouxiophyceae (2 species or  4,44%), Xanthophyceae (1 species or  2,22%), Dinophyceae (1 species or 2,22%) i Euglenophyceae(1 species or 2,22%). Based on the conducted research it can be concluded that the macroalgae and aquatic macrophyte can serve as a good substrate for colonization with different groups of algae, especially diatoms. In the future, it is necessary to continue this type of research and establish a database of epiphytic algae and use it as a good bioindicator in the monitoring of freshwater ecosystems.