Periphytic Cosmarium (Zygnematophyceae, Desmidiaceae) in lentic environments of the Upper Paraná River floodplain: Taxonomy and ecological aspects

Cosmarium (Zygnematophyceae, Desmidiaceae) perifítico em ambientes lênticos da Planície de Inundação do Alto Rio Paraná: Taxonomia e aspectos ecológicos

Abstract

Aim  A taxonomic study of the species of the genus Cosmarium Corda ex Ralfs (Desmidiaceae) was conducted in two lentic environments of the Upper Paraná River Floodplain (Garças and Patos lakes).

Methods  The samples were collected in November 2016. Two petioles of Eichhornia azurea (Sw) Kunth were sampled and analyzed qualitatively.

Results  Six species, nine varieties, and three forms were identified, with five taxa being common to both lakes, nine in Garças Lake, and four in Patos Lake. Of this, thirteen species represent the first records for the floodplain environment.

Conclusion  This study contributes to the knowledge of the biodiversity of this region, providing support for future ecological studies and biomonitoring.

Keywords:  desmids; periphyton; taxonomic study; lakes