Abstract

Thermo-mineral springs are particular ecosystems that are present all over the world. However, they are largely disregarded by monitoring programs. They present a wide variety of physical and chemical properties of waters leading to a wide spectrum of interesting habitats available for the development of diatoms, such as new species recently described, that could be considered as endemic for some of them. During a survey performed in the French Massif Central, diatoms were sampled in different springs. Some of these emergences are natural, while others are Man-made springs. Significant differences are observed between species richness of these two types of springs. The natural springs tend to present higher richness than Man-made ones. This highlight the importance of restoring thermo-mineral springs and to suppress constructions done around the emergence when use is not on-going anymore. This would allows the reestablishment of these aquatic habits, favouring the development of unique diatom species.

Keywords: Thermo-mineral springs; Diatoms; Species richness; Restoration; Protection