Morphology and taxonomy of the benthic diatoms with some first record species isolated from tidal flats in west coast of Korea

Abstract

Benthic diatoms play an important role in maintaining coastal ecosystems as major primary producers in coastal ecosystems. However, identifying and classifying them remains a challenge despite long research periods due to their morphological similarity, small size, and taxonomic complexity. This study was conducted to establish a database for the study of benthic diatom diversity in major tidal flats located on the west coast of Korea. In two field surveys in July and September 2018, 67 monoclonal cultures were obtained from tidal flats of Yeocha-ri in Ganghwa, Geunso Bay, Gomso Bay, and Hampyeong Bay, and their morphological information and sequences for 18s rDNA, rbcL and cob genes were obtained. Allstrains were classified into 3 orders, 12 families, 19 genera, and 46 species. However, 17 strains could not be classified as known species by morphological analyses. Most isolates belonged to Naviculaceae (27 isolates under 2 genera, 13 taxa), Bacillariaceae (13 isolates under 3 genera, 9 taxa) and Amphipleuraceae (8 isolates under 1 genera, 7 taxa). Nine of them were not listed on the National species list of Korea. The results of this study can be used as important basic data for the identification and monitoring of biodiversity of benthic diatoms.