Microalgae community of the Huaytire wetland, an Andean high-altitude wetland in Peru/Comunidade de microalgas do wetland Huaytire, uma área alagada de alta altitude nos Andes peruanos

The diversity and distribution of microalgae communities in a high altitude (Andean wetland, regionally known as bofedal, were examined to assess seasonal and spatial patterns. Samples were taken monthly from June 2008 to December 2008 at 13 stations in the Huaytire wetland, covering three areas and three climatologically induced periods. A total of 52 genera of algae were recorded. Diatoms were the predominant group in abundance and richness. The authors found a significantly higher abundance during the ice-melting period, when light exposure and runoff were intermediate, in comparison to the ice-covered and ice-free periods. Microalgae abundance was significantly lower in the non-impacted area compared to the sites close to the urban area and to the camelid pastures. High genera exchange was observed throughout the wetland, showing a similar floristic composition. The study found that diatoms were dominant and well adapted to the extreme conditions of the Andean wetland.