Using Diatom Assemblages and Physicochemical Parameters to Characterize Waterfalls in Western Highlands of Cameroun, West Africa

Diatoms are mostly aquatic plants, growing in various environmental conditions and habitat. Because of their high sensitivity to variations rapid response degradation, they used as biological indicators. This study aimed analyses the physicochemical parameters diatoms assemblages waterfalls. will allow determining key factors that responsible for both Podostemaceae spatial temporal distribution studied area.Water samples were taken respectively analysis. collected by scraping bedrocks submerged plants; subsequently identified species level using a light microscope. For data analysis, principal component analysis approach was while diatom’s submitted correspondence trophic A total 169 diatom poor waterfalls more species-rich (127) than rich ones (110). characterized with low mineralization, values pH oxygen saturated water. The observed composed oligotrophic eutrophic species, acidophilic, neutrophilic moderate water taxa. ecology different revealed dissolved main parameter which controls diatoms, probably Podostemaeceae one two type Fragilariacapucina Gomphonema gracile. Podostemacea Eunotiafaba, Eunotiarhomboïdea, Pinnularia microstauron, procerum clavatum.