Taxonomic Study of Novel Diatom Taxa from Khandesh, Maharashtra: A Contribution to Indian Freshwater Biodiversity

Abstract : The present study documents novel diatom taxa from freshwater habitats in the Khandesh region of Maharashtra, India, contributing significantly to the understanding of regional and national microalgal biodiversity. Detailed taxonomic analysis led to the identification and description of one new species and four new varieties: Cyclotella kanchanensis sp. nova., Meridion circulare Agardh v. elongatum v. nova., M. circulare v. khaperensis v. nova., M. circulare v. ujjwalensis v. nova., and M. circulare v. gomaiensis v. nova. These taxa were isolated from diverse aquatic ecosystems including rivers, streams, and ponds in Jalgaon, Dhule, and Nandurbar districts. Morphological features were examined using light microscopy, with emphasis on valve symmetry, striae patterns, and cell size ranges. The newly described taxa exhibit distinct characteristics that warrant their classification as novel entities. This work enhances the taxonomic inventory of Indian freshwater diatoms and emphasizes the ecological and biogeographical importance of unexplored habitats in the Khandesh region.