Study of diatom assemblages in Sundarbans mangrove water based on light microscopy and rbcL gene sequencing

Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove deltaic region, is one of the most productive ecosystems in tropical and subtropical latitudes and also serve as a nursery ground for rich coastal fisheries. In this study, we highlighted diatom assemblages from the Indian part of Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (SBR) area for the first time based on light microscopy and rbcL gene sequencing and phylogeny. In total, 15 diatom species (11 centric forms and 4 pennate forms) were documented using light microscopy, and 3 major clades of diatoms were detected in rbcL phylogeny. Out of 15 diatom species, 7 were the first record from Sundarbans mangrove water. One of the species, Thalassiosira ferelineata Hasle and Fryxell, was reported for the first time in an Asian mangrove ecosystem based on light microscopy. Our study suggests the importance of establishing cultures and their polyphasic taxonomy are the future necessity to create an authenticated diatom database from mangrove water, which is still overlooked globally.