Relationship between Diatom Assemblages and Trophic Variables: A Comparison of Old and New Approaches

Abstract

Diatoms have been used as indicators of trophic status, and many ad hoc diatom indices have been developed. Although many of these indices have been useful, more direct methods for inferring trophic status are now available. Weighted-averaging regression and calibration was found to be a superior method for assessing lake trophic status from diatom assemblages when compared with a multiple linear regression index developed from a set of 30 Canadian Lakes.