Characterization of Spatiotemporal Variations in Mert Stream Water Quality by Phytoplankton Community and Biological Indices

In order to determine the water quality of Mert Stream, algal indicators and some biological indices (TDI, IDG, PTI, Palmer, DAIpo) based on phytoplankton species were used. Phytoplankton samples performed monthly from six different sites at a depth 0.5 meter using one-litre sampler between July 2011 June 2012. After placed in 250-mL dark bottles fixed with Lugol’s solution until processed laboratory, they identified counted tubular plankton counting chambers an inverted microscope according Utermöhl method. Bacillariophyta members became dominant division abundance rate 83.3% 71 taxa. Lindavia glomerata, Navicula cryptocephala, Cyclotella planctonica, veneta determined as most among phytoplanktonic taxa Stream. Trophic diatom index (TDI) Generic (IDG) planktonic diatoms used trophic status Pollution tolerance (PTI), Diatom assemblage (DAIPo) Palmer also included assess organic load-based sabrobity level According results mean TDI IDG (55 13, respectively), Stream is mesotrophic structure moderate nutrients good transparency. average PTI result (2.7), ?-mesosaprobic class, which corresponds pollution. Considering DAIpo indice, saprobity stream ?-oligosaprobic not exposed serious organic-based However, index, all stations except 6th station are under threat high present study, it was seen that best reflects station-based pollution PTI.