Epilithic Diatoms in the River Spreča Affected by Urban and Industrial Pollution, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Benthic diatoms have gained prominence as environmental bioindicators since the beginning of twentieth century. Epilithic diatom taxa are frequently used for ecological water-quality assessments rivers. Diversity these dominant group protists in benthic communities can be indicative changes freshwater ecosystem. The aim this study was to analyze diversity and ecology Spreča River on locations affected by urban industrial pollution. Field sampling epilithic carried out period May 2021 at two locations, first before second after Lukavac city, which is known city Bosnia Herzegovina. Taxonomic verification using light microscope permanent slides revealed total 38 taxa. genera with largest number species were Diatoma, Navicula Nitzshia. Identified widespread that tolerating high levels A slightly higher recorded location, while second, a proportion halophilic observed.