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Diversity and community structure of microalgae and cyanobacteria in Oglat Eddaira Wetland (South-Western Algeria)
 
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1
Laboratory of biotoxicology, Department of Biology, University of Sidi Bel Abbes, 22000, Algeria
 
2
University 20 August 1955, Department of nature and life sciences, Skikda, 21000, Algeria
 
3
Laboratory of Ecobiology of Marine and Coastal Environments (EMMAL), Annaba University, 23000, Algeria
 
4
Laboratory of eco- development of spaces, University of Sidi Bel Abbes, 22000, Algeria
 
These authors had equal contribution to this work
 
 
Corresponding author
Ahmed Kerfouf   

Laboratory of eco- development of spaces, University of Sidi Bel Abbes, 22000, Algeria
 
 
J. Ecol. Eng. 2026; 27(2)
 
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ABSTRACT
This study aimed to identify the microalgae and assess their seasonal distribution in Oglat Eddaira lake (south western Algeria), integrating ecological evaluation through diatom and phytoplankton-based indices (EPI-D and Q Index). Sampling was carried out monthly from October 2023 to August 2024 using a plankton net for microalgae, with three fixed points for seasonal assessments. A total of 32 microalgal species were recorded, belonging to six classes: Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cryptophyceae, Conjugatophyceae, Cyanophyceae, and Euglenophyceae. Seasonal heatmaps revealed clear clustering patterns, with nutrient-related parameters (NO₃⁻, PO₄³⁻, NH₄⁺) exerting the strongest influence on microalgal assemblages, followed by physical factors (temperature, turbidity) and mineralization parameters (conductivity, salinity). The Q Index proved particularly sensitive to detecting bloom-forming species and early eutrophication signals, while the EPI-D index provided a more integrative perspective on long-term diatom community shifts. Notably, cyanobacteria exhibited higher abundances during warmer periods, indicating their role as early indicators of ecosystem imbalance. Additionally, we successfully developed a new ecological mapping of Oglat Eddaira, providing a visual representation of its environmental gradients and biological patterns, which constitutes a valuable tool for wetland management and monitoring.
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