On morphological variability of some species of pennate (Bacillariophyta) from the reservoirs of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exclusion zone (Ukraine)

Abstract

This scanning electron microscopy study of the morphology of pennate diatoms (Achnanthidium eutrophilum (Lange-Bertalot) Lange-Bertalot, Aneumastis stroesei Mann et Stickle, Gomphonema italicum Kützing, G. pala Reichardt, G. vibrio Ehrenberg, Punctastriata ovalis Williams et Round) from phytoperiphytic communities in the cooling pond of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and natural lakes of the Exclusion Zone (Glyboke and Daleke lakes) has revealed a higher variability in quantitative characteristics (valve length and width, number of striae in 10 µm). At the same time, no variability of qualitative features (shape of valve, axial and central area, raphe and striae arrangement) has been observed in these species. In A. eutrophilum, the number of striae in 10 µm differ from the published data, in A. stroesei – the valve length, in G. pala, G. vibrio and P. ovalis – the valve length and width. The range of variation in the number of striae in 10 µm in G. pala and the valve length and the number of striae in 10 µm in A. stroesei and G. italicum disagree with the literature data. The first electron micrographs of the inner surface of the valve and the corresponding data on its morphology are obtained for A. eutrophilum, A. stroesei, G. italicum, G. pala and G. vibrio.