Epiphytic diatoms on herbarium material from the Central Forest phytogeographic region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Background and aims – Epiphytic diatoms are excellent bio-indicators of the present past ecological condition aquatic ecosystems. In order to reconstruct diatom history evaluate its diversity in Democratic Republic Congo, epiphytic were sampled from herbarium specimens plants deposited at National Herbarium Congo Yangambi (YBI) Meise Botanic Garden (BR).Material methods YBI, nine belonging Nymphaeaceae, three Ceratophyllaceae, 12 Lentibulariaceae collected Central Forest phytogeographic region for investigation. addition, Nymphaea lotus BR. Semi-quantitative analyses performed by light microscopy on permanent slides.Key results Analyses communities YBI BR materials showed a large 132 species 44 genera. Taxa genus Eunotia relatively most abundant all studied samples followed Frustulia saxonica Desmogonium sp. The as varied Ceratophyllum, while Utricularia, significant lower was observed. Trophic Diatom Index (TDI) Generic (GDI) that water quality overall good during 20th century. They point oligotrophic conditions running waters with slight increase towards more mesotrophic 1950s onwards. only sample study indicating swamp.Conclusions material can serve basis sustainable management ecosystems D.R. Congo. absence an in-depth knowledge their preferences, genus-based TDI IDG have proven be valuable tools monitoring tropical Africa.