Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Trait-based ecological classifications for benthic algae: review and perspectives

  • Review Paper
  • Published:
Hydrobiologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A high number of species often represents a relevant redundancy in terms of ecological adaptation strategies. Collecting species to groups based on their functional adaptations can handle this redundancy and obtain the “real” functional complexity of ecosystems. Functional traits are proxies of adaptation strategies under particular environmental conditions, and a set of functional traits are interpreted as life-strategies. Organisms with life-strategies occupying a similar niche can be collected in ecological groups (functional group/guild). In this study, we review the latest trait-based approaches and existing attempts at functional classifications in phytobenthos studies. Advantages and shortcomings of these classifications are discussed with perspectives of their utility in ecological status assessment.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • B-Béres, V., Á. Lukács, P. Török, Z. Kókai, Z. Novák, E. T-Krasznai, B. Tóthmérész & I. Bácsi, 2016. Combined eco-morphological functional groups are reliable indicators of colonisation processes of benthic diatom assemblages in a lowland stream. Ecological Indicators 64: 31–38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berthon, V., A. Bouchez & F. Rimet, 2011. Using diatom life-forms and ecological guilds to assess organic pollution and trophic level in rivers: a case study of rivers in south-eastern France. Hydrobiologia 673: 259–271.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Besse-Lototskaya, A., P. F. M. Verdonschot, M. Coste & B. Van de Vijver, 2011. Evaluation of European diatom trophic indices. Ecological Indicators 11: 456–467.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blanco, S., C. Cejudo-Figueiras, L. Tudesque, E. Bécares, L. Hoffmann & L. Ector, 2012. Are diatom diversity indices reliable monitoring metrics? Hydrobiologia 695: 199–206.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Blondel, J., 2003. Guilds or functional groups: does it matter? Oikos 100: 223–231.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Borics, G., G. Várbíró & J. Padisák, 2013. Disturbance and stress: different meanings in ecological dynamics? Hydrobiologia 711: 1–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Borja, A., A. Miles, A. Occhipinti-Ambrogi & T. Berg, 2009. Current status of macroinvertebrate methods used for assessing the quality of European marine waters: implementing the Water Framework Directive. Hydrobiologia 633: 181–196.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Busse, S. & P. Snoeijs, 2002. Gradient responses of diatom communities in the Bothnian Bay, northern Baltic Sea. Nova Hedwigia 74: 501–525.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Busse, S. & P. Snoeijs, 2003. Gradient responses of diatom communities in the Bothnian Sea (northern Baltic Sea), with emphasis on responses to water movement. Phycologia 42: 451–464.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carrick, H. J. & R. L. Lowe, 1989. Benthic algal response to N and P enrichment along a pH gradient. Hydrobiologia 179: 119–127.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cattaneo, A., 1987. Size distribution in periphyton. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 44: 2025–2028.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Centis, B., M. Tolotti & N. Salmaso, 2010. Structure of the diatom community of the River Adige (North-Eastern Italy) along a hydrological gradient. Hydrobiologia 639: 37–42.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cochero, J., M. Licursi & N. Gómez, 2015. Changes in the epipelic diatom assemblage in nutrient rich streams due to the variations of simultaneous stressors. Limnologica – Ecology and Management of Inland Waters 51: 15–23.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cemagref, 1982. Etude des méthodes biologiques quantitative d’appréciation de la qualité des eaux. Rapport Q.E.Lyon-A.F.Bassin Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse: 218 pp.

  • Crossetti, L. O. & C. E. de M. Bicudo, 2008. Adaptations in phytoplankton life strategies to imposed change in a shallow urban tropical eutrophic reservoir, Garças Reservoir, over 8 years. Hydrobiologia 614: 91–105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Denicola, D. M. & M. Kelly, 2014. Role of periphyton in ecological assessment of lakes. Freshwater Science 33: 619–638.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Denicola, D. M., E. de Eyto, A. Wemaere & K. Irvine, 2004. Using epilithic algal communities to assess trophic status in Irish lakes. Journal of Phycology 40: 481–495.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Queiroz, K., 2007. Species concepts and species delimitation. Systematic Biology 56: 879–886.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dolédec, S. & B. Statzner, 2008. Invertebrate traits for the biomonitoring of large European rivers: an assessment of specific types of human impact. Freshwater Biology 53: 617–634.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dunck, B., J. C. Bortolini, L. Rodrigues, L. C. Rodrigues, S. Jati & S. Train, 2013. Functional diversity and adaptative strategies of planktonic and periphytic algae in isolated tropical floodplain lake. Brazilian Journal of Botany 36: 257–266.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • European Commission, 2000. Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23rd October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy. Official Journal of the European Communities 327: 1–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gillett, N., Y. Pan & C. Parker, 2008. Should only live diatoms be used in the bioassessment of small mountain streams? Hydrobiologia 620: 135–147.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gómez-Aparicio, L., 2009. The role of plant interactions in the restoration of degraded ecosystems: a meta-analysis across life-forms and ecosystems. Journal of Ecology 97: 1202–1214.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gottschalk, S. & M. Kahlert, 2012. Shifts in taxonomical and guild composition of littoral diatom assemblages along environmental gradients. Hydrobiologia 694: 41–56.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Graham, J. M., P. Arancibia-Avila & L. E. Graham, 1996a. Effects of pH and selected metals on growth of the filamentous green alga Mougeotia under acidic conditions. Limonology and Oceanography 41: 263–270.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Graham, J. M., P. Arancibia-Avila & L. E. Graham, 1996b. Physiological ecology of a species of the filamentous green alga Mougeotia under acidic conditions: light and temperature effects on photosynthesis and respiration. Limonology and Oceanography 41: 253–262.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grime, J. P., 1974. Vegetation classification by reference to strategies. Nature 250: 26–31.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grime, J. P., 1977. Evidence for the existence of three primary strategies in plants and its relevance to ecological and evolutionary theory. American Naturalist 111: 1169–1194.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grime, J. P., 1989. The stress debate: symptom of impending synthesis? Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 37: 3–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hardin, G., 1960. The competitive exclusion principle. Science 131: 1292–1297.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hering, D., A. Borja, J. Carstensen, L. Carvalho, M. Elliott, C. K. Feld, A.-S. Heiskanen, R. K. Johnson, J. Moe, D. Pont, & others, 2010. The European Water Framework Directive at the age of 10: a critical review of the achievements with recommendations for the future. Science of the total Environment 408: 4007–4019

  • Hoagland, K. D., S. C. Roemer & J. R. Rosowski, 1982. Colonization and community structure of two periphyton assemblages, with emphasis on the diatoms (Bacillariophyceae). American Journal of Botany 69: 188–213.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Janson, S., 2002. Cyanobacteria in Symbiosis with Diatoms Cyanobacteria in Symbiosis. Springer, New York: 1–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kahlert, M., R.-L. Albert, E.-L. Anttila, R. Bengtsson, C. Bigler, T. Eskola, V. Gälman, S. Gottschalk, E. Herlitz, A. Jarlman, J. Kasperoviciene, M. Kokociński, H. Luup, J. Miettinen, I. Paunksnyte, K. Piirsoo, I. Quintana, J. Raunio, B. Sandell, H. Simola, I. Sundberg, S. Vilbaste & J. Weckström, 2009. Harmonization is more important than experience—results of the first Nordic-Baltic diatom intercalibration exercise 2007 (stream monitoring). Journal of Applied Phycology 21: 471–482.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kahlert, M., M. Kelly, R.-L. Albert, S. F. P. Almeida, T. Bešta, S. Blanco, M. Coste, L. Denys, L. Ector, M. Fránková, D. Hlúbiková, P. Ivanov, B. Kennedy, P. Marvan, A. Mertens, J. Miettinen, J. Picinska-Fałtynowicz, J. Rosebery, E. Tornés, S. Vilbaste & A. Vogel, 2012. Identification versus counting protocols as sources of uncertainty in diatom-based ecological status assessments. Hydrobiologia 695: 109–124.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kattge, J., S. Díaz, S. Lavorel, I. C. Prentice, P. Leadley, G. BöNisch, E. Garnier, M. Westoby, P. B. Reich, I. J. Wright, J. H. C. Cornelissen, C. Violle, S. P. Harrison, P. M. Van Bodegom, M. Reichstein, B. J. Enquist, N. A. Soudzilovskaia, D. D. Ackerly, M. Anand, O. Atkin, M. Bahn, T. R. Baker, D. Baldocchi, R. Bekker, C. C. Blanco, B. Blonder, W. J. Bond, R. Bradstock, D. E. Bunker, F. Casanoves, J. Cavender-Bares, J. Q. Chambers, F. S. Chapin Iii, J. Chave, D. Coomes, W. K. Cornwell, J. M. Craine, B. H. Dobrin, L. Duarte, W. Durka, J. Elser, G. Esser, M. Estiarte, W. F. Fagan, J. Fang, F. FernáNdez-MéNdez, A. Fidelis, B. Finegan, O. Flores, H. Ford, D. Frank, G. T. Freschet, N. M. Fyllas, R. V. Gallagher, W. A. Green, A. G. Gutierrez, T. Hickler, S. I. Higgins, J. G. Hodgson, A. Jalili, S. Jansen, C. A. Joly, A. J. Kerkhoff, D. Kirkup, K. Kitajima, M. Kleyer, S. Klotz, J. M. H. Knops, K. Kramer, I. KüHn, H. Kurokawa, D. Laughlin, T. D. Lee, M. Leishman, F. Lens, T. Lenz, S. L. Lewis, J. Lloyd, J. Llusià, F. Louault, S. Ma, M. D. Mahecha, P. Manning, T. Massad, B. E. Medlyn, J. Messier, A. T. Moles, S. C. MüLler, K. Nadrowski, S. Naeem, Ü. Niinemets, S. NöLlert, A. NüSke, R. Ogaya, J. Oleksyn, V. G. Onipchenko, Y. Onoda, J. OrdoñEz, G. Overbeck, W. A. Ozinga, S. PatiñO, S. Paula, J. G. Pausas, J. PeñUelas, O. L. Phillips, V. Pillar, H. Poorter, L. Poorter, P. Poschlod, A. Prinzing, R. Proulx, A. Rammig, S. Reinsch, B. Reu, L. Sack, B. Salgado-Negret, J. Sardans, S. Shiodera, B. Shipley, A. Siefert, E. Sosinski, J.-F. Soussana, E. Swaine, N. Swenson, K. Thompson, P. Thornton, M. Waldram, E. Weiher, M. White, S. White, S. J. Wright, B. Yguel, S. Zaehle, A. E. Zanne & C. Wirth, 2011. TRY – a global database of plant traits: TRY – a global database of plant traits. Global Change Biology 17: 2905–2935.

    Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Keck, F., F. Rimet, A. Franc, & A. Bouchez, 2015. Phylogenetic signal in diatom ecology: perspectives for aquatic ecosystems biomonitoring. Ecological Applications. doi:10.1890/14-1966.

  • Kelly, M., 2011. The Emperor’s new clothes? A comment on Besse-Lototskaya et al. 2011. Ecological Indicators 11: 1492–1494.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kelly, M., 2012. The semiotics of slime: visual representation of phytobenthos as an aid to understanding ecological status. Freshwater Reviews 5: 105–119.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kelly, M., 2013. Data rich, information poor? Phytobenthos assessment and the Water Framework Directive. European Journal of Phycology 48: 437–450.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kelly, M. G. & B. A. Whitton, 1995. The trophic diatom index: a new index for monitoring eutrophication in rivers. Journal of Applied Phycology 7: 433–444.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kelly, M. G., L. King, R. I. Jones, P. A. Barker & B. J. Jamieson, 2008. Validation of diatoms as proxies for phytobenthos when assessing ecological status in lakes. Hydrobiologia 610: 125–129.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kermarrec, L., A. Franc, F. Rimet, P. Chaumeil, J.-M. Frigerio, J.-F. Humbert & A. Bouchez, 2014. A next-generation sequencing approach to river biomonitoring using benthic diatoms. Freshwater Science 33: 349–363.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • King, L., G. Clarke, H. Bennion, M. Kelly & M. Yallop, 2006. Recommendations for sampling littoral diatoms in lakes for ecological status assessments. Journal of Applied Phycology 18: 15–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kruk, C., V. L. M. Huszar, E. T. H. M. Peeters, S. Bonilla, L. Costa, M. Lürling, C. S. Reynolds & M. Scheffer, 2010. A morphological classification capturing functional variation in phytoplankton. Freshwater Biology 55: 614–627.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laine, M., S. Morin & J. Tison-Rosebery, 2014. A multicompartment approach – diatoms, macrophytes, benthic macroinvertebrates and fish – to assess the impact of toxic industrial releases on a small French river. PLoS One 9: e102358. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0102358.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Lange, K., A. Liess, J. J. Piggott, C. R. Townsend & C. D. Matthaei, 2011. Light, nutrients and grazing interact to determine stream diatom community composition and functional group structure: diatom responses to light, nutrients and grazing. Freshwater Biology 56: 264–278.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lange, K., C. R. Townsend & C. D. Matthaei, 2016. A trait-based framework for stream algal communities. Ecology and Evolution 6: 23–36.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Larras, F., F. Keck, B. Montuelle, F. Rimet & A. Bouchez, 2014. Linking diatom sensitivity to herbicides to phylogeny: a step forward for biomonitoring? Environmental Science & Technology 48: 1921–1930.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lavoie, I., S. Campeau, M.-A. Fallu & P. J. Dillon, 2006. Diatoms and biomonitoring: should cell size be accounted for? Hydrobiologia 573: 1–16.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lavoie, I., J. Lento & A. Morin, 2010. Inadequacy of size distributions of stream benthic diatoms for environmental monitoring. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 29: 586–601.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Law, R. J., J. A. Elliott & S. J. Thackeray, 2014. Do functional or morphological classifications explain stream phytobenthic community assemblages? Diatom Research 29: 309–324.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leira, M., G. Chen, C. Dalton, K. Irvine & D. Taylor, 2009. Patterns in freshwater diatom taxonomic distinctness along an eutrophication gradient. Freshwater Biology 54: 1–14.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leira, M., M. L. Filippi & M. Cantonati, 2015. Diatom community response to extreme water-level fluctuations in two Alpine lakes: a core case study. Journal of Paleolimnology 53: 289–307.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lengyel, E., A. W. Kovács, J. Padisák & C. Stenger-Kovács, 2015a. Photosynthetic characteristics of the benthic diatom species Nitzschia frustulum (Kützing) Grunow isolated from a soda pan along temperature-, sulfate- and chloride gradients. Aquatic Ecology 49: 401–416.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lengyel, E., J. Padisák & C. Stenger-Kovács, 2015b. Establishment of equilibrium states and effect of disturbances on benthic diatom assemblages of the Torna-stream, Hungary. Hydrobiologia 750: 43–56.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Linneaus, C., 1758. Systema naturae per regna tria naturae: secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Laurentius Salvius, Stockholm.

  • Litchman, E. & C. A. Klausmeier, 2008. Trait-based community ecology of phytoplankton. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics 39: 615–639.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Logez, M., P. Bady, A. Melcher & D. Pont, 2013. A continental-scale analysis of fish assemblage functional structure in European rivers. Ecography 36: 80–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mackay, A. W., T. Davidson, P. Wolski, S. Woodward, R. Mazebedi, W. R. L. Masamba & M. Todd, 2012. Diatom sensitivity to hydrological and nutrient variability in a subtropical, flood-pulse wetland. Ecohydrology 5: 491–502.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mann, D. G., 1999. The species concept in diatoms. Phycologia 38: 437–495.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mann, D. G. & P. Vanormelingen, 2013. An inordinate fondness? The number, distributions, and origins of diatom species. Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology 60: 414–420.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Margalef, R., 1978. Life-forms of phytoplankton as survival alternatives in an unstable environment. Oceanologica acta 1: 493–509.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morin, A., N. Bourassa & A. Cattaneo, 2001. Use of size spectra and empirical models to evaluate trophic relationships in streams. Limnology and Oceanography 46: 935–940.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neilan, B. A., D. Jacobs & A. E. Goodman, 1995. Genetic diversity and phylogeny of toxic cyanobacteria determined by DNA polymorphisms within the phycocyanin locus. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 61: 3875–3883.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Neustupa, J., J. Veselá & J. Št’astný, 2013. Differential cell size structure of desmids and diatoms in the phytobenthos of peatlands. Hydrobiologia 709: 159–171.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Orfanidis, S., P. Panayotidis & N. Stamatis, 2003. An insight to the ecological evaluation index (EEI). Ecological Indicators 3: 27–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Padisák, J., 1993. The influence of different disturbance frequencies on the species richness, diversity and equitability of phytoplankton in shallow lakes. Hydrobiologia 249: 135–156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Padisák, J., 2003. Phytoplankton. In O’Sullivan, P. E. & C. S. Reynolds (eds), The lakes handbook, Vol. 1. Blackwell Science Ltd, Hoboken: 251–308.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Padisák, J., G. Borics, I. Grigorszky & É. Soróczki-Pintér, 2006. Use of phytoplankton assemblages for monitoring ecological status of lakes within the water framework directive: the assemblage index. Hydrobiologia 553: 1–14.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Padisák, J., L. O. Crossetti & L. Naselli-Flores, 2009. Use and misuse in the application of the phytoplankton functional classification: a critical review with updates. Hydrobiologia 621: 1–19.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Passy, S. I., 2007. Diatom ecological guilds display distinct and predictable behavior along nutrient and disturbance gradients in running waters. Aquatic Botany 86: 171–178.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pianka, E. R., 1970. On r-and K-selection. American Naturalist 104: 592–597.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pringle, C. M., 1990. Nutrient spatial heterogeneity: effects on community structure, physiognomy, and diversity of stream algae. Ecology 71: 905.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prygiel, J. & M. Coste, 1998. Mise au point de l’Indice Biologique Diatomée, un indice diatomique pratique applicable au réseau hydrographique français. L’Eau, l’industrie, les nuisances 211: 40–45.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Raunkiaer, C., 1934. The Life Forms of Plants and Statistical Plant Geography. The Clarendon Press, Oxford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reyjol, Y., C. Argillier, W. Bonne, A. Borja, A. D. Buijse, A. C. Cardoso, M. Daufresne, M. Kernan, M. T. Ferreira, S. Poikane, N. Prat, A.-L. Solheim, S. Stroffek, P. Usseglio-Polatera, B. Villeneuve & W. van de Bund, 2014. Assessing the ecological status in the context of the European Water Framework Directive: where do we go now? Science of The Total Environment 497–498: 332–344.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, C. S., 1988. Functional Morphology and the Adaptive Strategies of Freshwater Phytoplankton. Growth and Reproductive Strategies of Freshwater Phytoplankton. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge: 388–433.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, C. S., 2006. Ecology of Phytoplankton. Cambridge University Press, New York.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, C. S., J. Padisák & U. Sommer, 1993. Intermediate disturbance in the ecology of phytoplankton and the maintenance of species diversity: a synthesis. Hydrobiologia 249: 183–188.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, C. S., V. Huszar, C. Kruk, L. Naselli-Flores & S. Melo, 2002. Towards a functional classification of the freshwater phytoplankton. Journal of Plankton Research 24: 417–428.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rimet, F. & A. Bouchez, 2012a. Biomonitoring river diatoms: implications of taxonomic resolution. Ecological Indicators 15: 92–99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rimet, F. & A. Bouchez, 2012b. Life-forms, cell-sizes and ecological guilds of diatoms in European rivers. Knowledge and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems 406: 1–14.  doi:10.1051/kmae/2012018

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rimet, F., J. Gomà, J. Cambra, E. Bertuzzi, M. Cantonati, C. Cappelletti, F. Ciutti, A. Cordonier, M. Coste, F. Delmas, J. Tison, L. Tudesque, H. Vidal & L. Ector, 2007. Benthic diatoms in Western European streams with altitudes above 800 M: characterisation of the main assemblages and correspondence with ecoregions. Diatom Research 22: 147–188.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rimet, F., L. Ector, H.-M. Cauchie & L. Hoffmann, 2009. Changes in diatom-dominated biofilms during simulated improvements in water quality: implications for diatom-based monitoring in rivers. European Journal of Phycology 44: 567–577.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rimet, F., A. Bouchez & B. Montuelle, 2015. Benthic diatoms and phytoplankton to assess nutrients in a large lake: complementarity of their use in Lake Geneva (France–Switzerland). Ecological Indicators 53: 231–239.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rott, E., G. Hofmann, K. Pall, P. Pfister, & E. Pipp, 1997. Indikationslisten für Aufwuchsalgen, Teil 1: Saprobielle Indikation (Indication lists for periphytic algae. Part 1: Saprobic indication). Bundesministerium für Land-und Forstwirtschaft (Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry), Wien.

  • Rott, E., E. Pipp, P. Pfister, H. Van Dam, K. Ortler, K. Pall, & N. Binder, 1999. Indikationslisten für Aufwuchsalgen in österreichischen Fliessgewässern. Teil 2: Trophie-indikation sowie geochemische Präferenz; taxonomische und toxikologische Anmerkungen. Bundesministerium für Land-und Forstwirtschaft, Wasserwirtschaftskataster, Wien.

  • Round, F. E., R. M. Crawford & D. G. Mann, 1990. The Diatoms: Biology & Morphology of the Genera. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rumeau, A., & M. Coste, 1988. Initiation à la systématique des diatomées d’eau douce. Pour l’utilisation pratique d’un indice diatomique générique. Bulletin Français de la Pêche et de la Pisciculture 309: 1–69.

  • Salmaso, N. & J. Padisák, 2007. Morpho-Functional Groups and phytoplankton development in two deep lakes (Lake Garda, Italy and Lake Stechlin, Germany). Hydrobiologia 578: 97–112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Salmaso, N., L. Naselli-Flores & J. Padisák, 2015. Functional classifications and their application in phytoplankton ecology. Freshwater Biology 60: 603–619.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schaumburg, J., C. Schranz, J. Foerster, A. Gutowski, G. Hofmann, P. Meilinger, S. Schneider & U. Schmedtje, 2004. Ecological classification of macrophytes and phytobenthos for rivers in Germany according to the water framework directive. Limnologica – Ecology and Management of Inland Waters 34: 283–301.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schleuter, D., M. Daufresne, F. Massol & C. Argillier, 2010. A user’s guide to functional diversity indices. Ecological Monographs 80: 469–484.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schneider, S. & E.-A. Lindstrøm, 2009. Bioindication in Norwegian rivers using non-diatomaceous benthic algae: the acidification index periphyton (AIP). Ecological Indicators 9: 1206–1211.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schneider, S. C. & E.-A. Lindstrøm, 2011. The periphyton index of trophic status PIT: a new eutrophication metric based on non-diatomaceous benthic algae in Nordic rivers. Hydrobiologia 665: 143–155.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schneider, S. C., A. E. Lawniczak, J. Picińska-Faltynowicz & K. Szoszkiewicz, 2012. Do macrophytes, diatoms and non-diatom benthic algae give redundant information? Results from a case study in Poland. Limnologica – Ecology and Management of Inland Waters 42: 204–211.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Snoeijs, P., S. Busse & M. Potapova, 2002. The importance of diatom cell size in community analysis 1. Journal of Phycology 38: 265–281.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stancheva, R., R. G. Sheath, B. A. Read, K. D. McArthur, C. Schroepfer, J. P. Kociolek & A. E. Fetscher, 2013. Nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria (free-living and diatom endosymbionts): their use in southern California stream bioassessment. Hydrobiologia 720: 111–127.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stenger-Kovács, C., E. Lengyel, L. O. Crossetti, V. Üveges & J. Padisák, 2013a. Diatom ecological guilds as indicators of temporally changing stressors and disturbances in the small Torna-stream, Hungary. Ecological Indicators 24: 138–147.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stenger-Kovács, C., L. Tóth, F. Tóth, É. Hajnal & J. Padisák, 2013b. Stream order-dependent diversity metrics of epilithic diatom assemblages. Hydrobiologia 721: 67–75.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stenger-Kovács, C., E. Lengyel, K. Buczkó, F. Tóth, L. Crossetti, A. Pellinger, Z. Zámbóné Doma & J. Padisák, 2014. Vanishing world: alkaline, saline lakes in Central Europe and their diatom assemblages. Inland Waters 4: 383–396.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stenger-Kovács, C., É. Hajnal, E. Lengyel, K. Buczkó & J. Padisák, 2016. A test of traditional diversity measures and taxonomic distinctness indices on benthic diatoms of soda pans in the Carpathian basin. Ecological Indicators 64: 1–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stevenson, J., 2014. Ecological assessments with algae: a review and synthesis. Journal of Phycology 50: 437–461.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stevenson, R. J., & L. L. Bahls, 2002. Periphyton protocols Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for Use in Streams and Wadeable Rivers: Periphyton, Benthic Macroinvertebrates, and Fish. EPA: 1–23, http://water.epa.gov/scitech/monitoring/rsl/bioassessment/ch06main.cfm.

  • Straile, D., M. C. Jochimsen & R. Kümmerlin, 2013. The use of long-term monitoring data for studies of planktonic diversity: a cautionary tale from two Swiss lakes. Freshwater Biology 58: 1292–1301.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Svensson, F., J. Norberg & P. Snoeijs, 2014. Diatom cell size, coloniality and motility: trade-offs between temperature, salinity and nutrient supply with climate change. PLoS One 9: e109993.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tall, L., L. Cloutier & A. Cattaneo, 2006. Grazer-diatom size relationships in an epiphytic community. Limnology and Oceanography 51: 1211–1216.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tang, T., S. Q. Niu & D. Dudgeon, 2013. Responses of epibenthic algal assemblages to water abstraction in Hong Kong streams. Hydrobiologia 703: 225–237.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Usseglio-Polatera, P., M. Bournaud, P. Richoux & H. Tachet, 2000. Biological and ecological traits of benthic freshwater macroinvertebrates: relationships and definition of groups with similar traits. Freshwater Biology 43: 175–205.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vilar, A. G., J. A. Vonk, S. Bichebois, H. van Dam, W. Admiraal & H. G. van der Geest, 2015. Suspended organic particles drive the development of attached algal communities in degraded peatlands. Hydrobiologia 744: 211–221.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Violle, C., M.-L. Navas, D. Vile, E. Kazakou, C. Fortunel, I. Hummel & E. Garnier, 2007. Let the concept of trait be functional! Oikos 116: 882–892.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Virtanen, L. K., P. Kongas, S. Aitto-Oja & J. Soininen, 2011. Is temporal occurrence of diatoms related to species traits, local abundance, and regional distribution? Journal of Phycology 47: 1445–1453.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • von Humboldt, A., 1806. Ideen zu einer Physiognomik der Gewächse. Cotta, Tübingen.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wells, E., M. Wilkinson, P. Wood & C. Scanlan, 2007. The use of macroalgal species richness and composition on intertidal rocky seashores in the assessment of ecological quality under the European Water Framework Directive. Marine Pollution Bulletin 55: 151–161.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wunsam, S., A. Cattaneo & N. Bourassa, 2002. Comparing diatom species, genera and size in biomonitoring: a case study from streams in the Laurentians (Québec, Canada). Freshwater Biology 47: 325–340.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This study was funded by ONEMA (Office National de l’Eau et des Milieu Aquatiques).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. UMR CARRTEL, INRA, 74203, Thonon-les-Bains, France

    Kálmán Tapolczai, Agnès Bouchez & Frédéric Rimet

  2. Department of Limnology, University of Pannonia, Egyetem u. 10, Veszprém, 8200, Hungary

    Csilla Stenger-Kovács & Judit Padisák

  3. MTA-PE Limnoecology Research Group, Egyetem u. 10, Veszprém, 8200, Hungary

    Judit Padisák

Authors
  1. Kálmán Tapolczai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Agnès Bouchez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Csilla Stenger-Kovács
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Judit Padisák
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Frédéric Rimet
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kálmán Tapolczai.

Additional information

Handling editor: Luigi Naselli-Flores

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Tapolczai, K., Bouchez, A., Stenger-Kovács, C. et al. Trait-based ecological classifications for benthic algae: review and perspectives. Hydrobiologia 776, 1–17 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-016-2736-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-016-2736-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation