Diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) in high-altitude wetlands of Catamarca Province (Argentina). III.

Abstract

Diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) in high-altitude wetlands of Catamarca Province (Argentina). III. Within the framework of the research on high mountain wetlands conducted since 1998, we have already studied 24 waterbodies in this province. In order to expand our knowledge on diatom flora in these high mountain environments, in this opportunity we analyze another 12 wetlands located between 25º34'05"27º39'23" S, over 3000 m asl. Diatoms were found in all samples, except in Laguna Azul, with almost white water by the large amount of suspended solids. In relation to salinity, waters were from fresh to hypersaline, with a predominance of sodium and chloride ions. We identify, excluding Fragilariaceae, 42 genera with 123 infrageneric taxa, 29 of which are new records for the province of Catamarca and, 4 for Argentina and we propose a new species (Anomoeoneis punae sp nov.). The majority of the species belong to Navicula (17), Nitzschia (13), Halamphora (12), Surirella (8), and Anomoeoneis (7). There were not found species common to all samples and only six appeared in more than 50% of the waterbodies. A high percentage (54%) of rare species, found only in one or two of the samples, was obtained.