Periphytic Actinella Lewis (Ochrophyta, Bacillariophyceae) species from an Environmental Protection Area in the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract Aim The aim of this study is to present the Actinella species found in periphytic samples collected from an Environmental Protection Area in Santarém (PA, Brazil), to comment on their morphology by comparing them with existing records, and to increase knowledge of the distribution of the genus in Pará State. Methods Ten periphytic samples were collected from seven sampling stations in the Alter do Chão Environmental Protection Area (Santarém, Pará, Brazil) in October 2015 and February and July 2016. Dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and water temperature were measured in the field at sites from which samples were collected in 2016. Samples were oxidized and analyzed by light microscopy. Results The sampled water bodies presented low conductivity and an acidic pH. We identified 12 Actinella taxa, several of which had originally been described from samples collected from the Amazon in the mid-20th century, mainly in the lower Tapajós River region. Actinella rionegrensis is recorded for the first time in the State of Pará, outside of its type locality (Negro River, near Manaus, AM, Brazil), and the species habitus (wisp-shaped colonies) is recorded for the first time. Conclusion Our results indicate that the Environmental Protection Area has been effective in conserving the aquatic ecosystem, since Actinella species identified in the mid-20 th century are still present. Taxonomic issues for some species of this genus need clarification and revision, since overlapping diagnostic features occur among species and with species belonging to the genus Eunotia.