Bioindication of Water Quality by Diatom Algae in High Mountain Lakes of the Natural Park of Artabel Lakes, (Gümüşhane, Turkey)

The first results of bioindicative analysis of water quality in the high-mountainous lakes of the Artabel Lakes Natural Park are presented using diatom species. A total of 95 diatom taxa collected in August 2013 and 2016 were identified and used as bioindicators for ten environmental variables. Bioindication, statistical methods and comparative floristic results show that the waters in all the lakes studied were fresh, low-saline, with circum-neutral pH and organically uncontaminated. The results of bioindication can be used as etalons for future monitoring of lakes in order to protect species found in the natural park, and can also be included in the national system of water quality standards in Turkey.