Epipelic and epilithic algal flora of the Harşit (Giresun)

Epipelic and Epilithic Algal Flora of the Harşit Stream (Giresun) In this study the epipelic and epilithic algae of Harşit Stream were studied between October 1998 - September 1999. Seventy one epipelic and epilithic taxa belonging to Bacillariophyta (49), Cyanophyta (10), Chlorophyta (9) and Euglenophyta (3) divisions have been identified. While Bacillariophyta is the dominant group, Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta and Euglenophyta taxa are not important in the flora. Taxa of Melosira varians, Ceratoneis arcus, Cocconeis placentula var. euglypta, Cymbella minuta, Gyrosiyma acuminatum, Navicula odiosa, Surirella ovata, and Synedra ulna from epipelic and epilithic communities of Harşit stream have been observed abundantly. The population showed a definite seasonal fluctuation with a maximum recorded in July 1999. Temperature and flow rate seemed to have played a major role in such fluctuation.Kay words: Epipelic, Epilithic, Algae Flora, Seasonal variation, Harşit Stream.