Study of the benthic diatom flora of the Monviso Park watercourses

In recent years, the awareness on the importance of preserving Alpine watercourses as habitats for unique, sensitive, and often threatened species has significantly grown. Part of the research carried out in Alpstream has recently focused on studying the benthic diatom flora inhabiting the Alpine streams, with a focus on the taxonomic richness and biodiversity characterizing these communities, as well as the ecology and distribution of the species.

Species identification requires the analysis of morphometric and morphological features of the protective shell (frustule) that characterizes diatoms. Species identification thus demands high specialization and constant updates in the field of taxonomy; at the same time, correct identification is essential for the evaluation of the ecological status of the riverse, being at the basis of the quality indices. Bibliography, such as Atlas and floras, is therefore of crucial importance since allows diatom identification through an iconographical comparison.

One of the projects currently under development by the ALPSTREAM group is the creation of an atlas of the diatoms of the Po Valley. This atlas aims at providing information on the species present in the main watercourses of the Monviso Park and to grow the knowledge on the distribution, ecological preferences, and sensitivity of the Alpine diatom species living in this Alpine area.