Geographical and seasonal patterns of epiphytic diatoms on a subtropical mangrove (Kandelia candel) in southern China

Geographical and seasonal patterns of epiphytic diatoms on a subtropical mangrove (Kandelia candel (L.) Druce) were examined at four sites in southern China. A total of one hundred and three epiphytic diatom species and varieties belonging to 40 genera were identified. Dominant species included Nitzschia fasciculata, Luticola mutica and Achnanthes javanica var. subcontricta. Further analysis using canonical correspondence analysis revealed three diatom associations which could be closely related to environmental variables such as salinity and nutrients resources of nitrogen and phosphate. Epiphytic diatom assemblages on roots would be a good indicator for the evaluation of water quality in mangroves.