A checklist of algae from Afghanistan

Abstract

This first comprehensive checklist of algae from freshwater and soil in Afghanistan is a significant milestone in understanding the country's biodiversity. It is the result of a collaborative effort by researchers from various institutions. It comprises 398 species belonging to 132 genera and five phyla of algae, with samples collected from 19 regions of Afghanistan. The Nitzschia and Navicula genera have the most significant number of species. The checklist also highlights the sensitivity and threatened status of certain species, such as Achnanthidium gracillimum (F. Meister) Lange-Bertalot, Brachysira serians (Brébisson) Round & D.G. Mann, Diploneis ovalis (Hilse) Cleve, Eunotia praerupta Ehrenberg, Eucocconeis flexella (Kützing) F. Meister. The currently accepted name of species, biological condition gradient of species, the status of species in the Red List of Germany, and trophic weight of some diatom species according to two diatom trophic indices were defined in the checklist. This study is a new start for this field of study and intends to provide the groundwork for further research, which will aid in the work of others interested in this topic.