Diatom biomonitoring of heavy metal pollution using biometrics and abnormal forms: a case study in the Lot river basin (France)

Modifications of the structural characteristics of periphytic diatom communities under metal pollution have been revealed by several field studies. However, most of the diatomic indices are not pertinent enough in assessing metal pollutions. Cadmium toxicity to freshwater diatoms has here been investigated by studying its effects on individual cells.