Rationale:
In the framework of water quality monitoring, a project was obtained in collaboration with the University of Dakar to start up a monitoring program for the Senegal river in the northern part of Senegal using diatoms as bio-indicators.  Although there are already existing diatom inventories for this African country (e.g. made by P. Compère), an update of the systematic information on the non-marine diatoms is necessary to facilitate the water quality estimations.   

Overall goal:
To develop a comprehensive freshwater diatom atlas for the Senegal river and adjacent areas. The atlas will cover all species encountered during a field trip and illustrate them using LM and SEM techniques.  New species are likely to be expected.  Each species will be fully documented from an ecological viewpoint.  

Objectives:
Detailed morphological and taxonomical study of the diatoms sampled in the Senegal River
Compile all necessary information to publish the Senegal River Diatom Atlas