Oligotrophy: the forgotten end of an ecological spectrum

Abstract

Most studies that consider the relationship of diatoms and water quality have focused their attention on the questions and practicalities of water pollution or perturbations in some form or another. Many models and studies have demonstrated the environmental tolerances or changes in structure of diatom communities related to environmental challenges. This focus on the impacted end of the water quality spectrum has led, of necessity, to issues ultimately related to habitat restoration. We contend that a concentrated effort to develop more fully the theory and there is a need for practice related to oligotrophy, the other, ignored end of the water quality spectrum. We explore the historical usages of the term oligotrophy, as well as the challenges and promise of autecological and community approaches to understanding oligotrophy, and the possibility of focusing more on conservation rather than restoration in water quality issues.