The algal microflora of a string mire in relation to the chemical composition of water

Twenty-one samples were examined for algal species diversity. Samples contained between one and 35 species with a mean of 10.6 species per sample. The greatest diversity of species occurred in samples collected from large flarks or bog lakes. Hummock communities, especially those with abundant Sphagnum rubellum contained fewest algae. All samples showed a predominance of Desmidiales.General ionic levels in the string mire were low; however, species of the genera Euastrum, Micrasterias, and Staurastrum occurred frequently in the sites richer in nutrients. More species were found in wetter than in drier sites.The presence of species characteristic of more base-rich conditions may be related to the rate of water flow through the mire.