| Stephanodiscus hantzschii | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Clade: | Sar |
| Clade: | Stramenopiles |
| Division: | Ochrophyta |
| Clade: | Diatomeae |
| Class: | Mediophyceae |
| Order: | Thalassiosirales |
| Family: | Stephanodiscaceae |
| Genus: | Stephanodiscus |
| Species: | S. hantzschii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Stephanodiscus hantzschii Grunow, 1880
| |
Stephanodiscus hantzschii is a centric diatom in the family Stephanodiscaceae,[1] recognized for its circular, silica-based frustule and its ecological role as a primary producer in freshwater environments.[2][3] It thrives in nutrient-rich waters and serves as a bioindicator of eutrophication and a tool in paleolimnology for reconstructing environmental histories.[4]
Characteristics
[edit]Stephanodiscus hantzschii is a small centric diatom with a circular valve (frustule) typically 5–20 micrometers in diameter. Its frustule features radial striae (rows of pores) and a central area with areolae (small openings) arranged in a distinctive pattern, often used for identification.[2] It is primarily found in freshwater environments, such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, often thriving in nutrient-rich (eutrophic) waters. As a photosynthetic diatom, it is a primary producer in aquatic food webs, contributing to carbon cycling and serving as a food source for zooplankton.[3] It is widely used as a bioindicator of water quality, particularly for high nutrient levels (e.g., phosphorus and nitrogen), and is associated with eutrophic conditions.[5]
The fossilized frustules of S. hantzschii are preserved in lake sediments, making it valuable for paleolimnological studies to reconstruct past environmental conditions, such as nutrient levels and water quality.[6] It is cosmopolitan, reported in freshwater systems across North America, Europe, and other regions, particularly in temperate climates. Its abundance is often linked to anthropogenic nutrient inputs, making it a key species for monitoring lake eutrophication caused by agricultural runoff or urban pollution.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ Guiry M.D. (2025) Stephanodiscus hantzschii In AlgaeBase. Accessed 26 October 2025.
- ^ a b Häkansson, Hannelore (2002). "A compilation and evaluation of species in the genera Stephanodiscus, Cyclostephanos, and Cyclotella with reference to the family Stephanodiscaceae". Diatom Research. 17 (1): 1–139. doi:10.1080/0269249X.2002.9705534. ISSN 0269-249X. Retrieved 2025-10-26.
- ^ a b Stoermer, E F; Yang, J.J. (1969). Plankton diatom assemblages in Lake Michigan /. Ann Arbor: [s.n.] doi:10.5962/bhl.title.58520. Retrieved 2025-10-26.
- ^ a b Reynolds, C. S. (2006-05-04). The Ecology of Phytoplankton. Cambridge University Press. doi:10.1017/cbo9780511542145.002. ISBN 978-0-521-60519-9. Retrieved 2025-10-26.
- ^ Burge, D.R.L. and Edlund M. (Sep 2016) Stephanodiscus hantzschii, Diatoms of North America. Accessed 26 October 2025.
- ^ Fritz, S. C.; Juggins, S.; Battarbee, R. W.; Engstrom, D. R. (1991). "Reconstruction of past changes in salinity and climate using a diatom-based transfer function". Nature. 352 (6337): 706–708. Bibcode:1991Natur.352..706F. doi:10.1038/352706a0. ISSN 0028-0836. Retrieved 2025-10-26.