The authors present the first detailed description of the freshwater centric, araphid and eunotioid diatoms of coastal ecosystems of the Laurentian Great Lakes. 49 plates with hundreds of light micrographs of diatom taxa, from 28 genera, recorded in 207 samples from 106 wetlands, embayments, high energy and deep, nearshore locales of the Great Lakes are presented. Descriptions and illustrations of the taxa encountered, as well as autecological information are presented to round up the content of this volume. In addition to taxonomic information, these data are intended to assist future biomonitoring and paleolimnological efforts.
This volume is of interest to scientists working on diatoms, particularly those interested in diatoms from the Great Lakes area. It will help in the study of hydrological changes, eutrophication, the effects of invasive species, climate change and pollutant impacts not only in the Laurentian Great Lakes but in most freshwater habitats.

This slim, informative volume is a most helpful and informative addition to the “usual suspects” for identifying freshwater algae. Diatoms usually get short shrift because of the detailed attention and knowledge of “minutiae” required to correctly identify to genus and species. This volume is based on hundreds of nearshore sampling on the U.S. side of all five Great Lakes, and includes information on a “suite of environmental measurements.” As is typical, each species has its scientific name and authority stated, is clearly described, and refers to one or more excellent photos. The photography is excellent and allows for a better understanding of morphology to aid in identification. Additionally, the authors provide information on the taxon’s presence in one of six nearshore habitats, prevalence in each of the five Great Lakes, and averaged total P and total Cl for that taxon. They have also calculated and presented the “stress power” and “stress rank” that “depict the relative ability of a taxon to track stress and whether the taxon reflects low or high stress.”
All in all, an excellent and informative volume that is sure to become commonplace in the identification of freshwater centric, araphid and eunotioid diatoms of the United States. (Recommended level: Specialist)