Changes in Periphytic Algae Following Bicarbonate Additions to a Small Stream

Additions of less than 50 mg/liter sodium bicarbonate significantly increased algal standing crop on glass slides exposed in the treated portion of a small stream during a 2-month period. Filamentous green algae dominated the periphyton community of both bicarbonate treated and control slides when the study was terminated after 63 days. A slight shift in species composition toward the Cyanophycea on the bicarbonate treated slides was also noted.