Conclusions

Although the techniques and procedures recommended here are superficially very simple, it is essential that persons collecting diatom samples for water quality monitoring are properly trained. They need to be able to recognize a diatom community (both by colouration and feel) and to understand the factors that may influence its composition. They also need hands-on training in sample collection. This paper proposes a set of guidelines that can be adapted to most circumstances.  The above represents a minimum set of conditions that need to be followed if reliable data for assessment of water quality are to be collected and there may be situations where more stringent standards are required for particular purposes. There are also several points where we highlight a need for decisions on sampling to be taken in the light of local knowledge, and some preliminary sampling may be required in order to establish these conditions. However, the techniques described here should allow diatoms to be collected from most aquatic habitats on the Indian subcontinent.

Acknowledgement

 We are grateful to the Ministry of Environment and Forests Government of India and Indian Institute of Science for the financial and infrastructure support.  We thank Ms.Supriya for proofreading the document.