The Diatoms of Brackagh Bog

Nestled in the heart of Northern Ireland, Brackagh Bog is a unique and ecologically significant habitat. This area, designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), is renowned for its diverse wetland flora and fauna. Among the myriad of microscopic organisms that inhabit this bog, diatoms stand out as some of the most intriguing and ecologically important.

What are Diatoms? Diatoms are a group of single-celled algae that are encased in silica-based cell walls known as frustules. These frustules are often intricately patterned and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making diatoms not only scientifically significant but also visually captivating. Diatoms are found in almost every aquatic environment, from oceans to freshwater bodies, and play a crucial role in the ecosystem.

Habitat and Distribution in Brackagh - Brackagh Bog, with its intricate mosaic of peat ramparts, pools, and damp hollows, provides an ideal habitat for diatoms. The nutrient-rich waters and varying pH levels create a conducive environment for a diverse range of diatom species. These microscopic algae thrive in the shallow pools and drainage channels that crisscross the bog, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the area.

Ecological Role of Diatoms: Diatoms are primary producers, meaning they convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis. This process forms the foundation of the aquatic food web, supporting a variety of organisms, from tiny invertebrates to larger aquatic animals. In Brackagh Bog, diatoms play several key ecological roles:

1. Primary Production: Diatoms contribute significantly to primary production, generating oxygen and organic matter that sustains other organisms in the ecosystem.

2. Nutrient Cycling: By absorbing nutrients from the water, diatoms help maintain the nutrient balance in the bog. When diatoms die, their silica frustules settle to the bottom, forming a layer of diatomaceous earth that can influence the sediment composition.

Bioindicators: The presence and diversity of diatom species can serve as indicators of water quality and environmental changes. Monitoring diatom populations in Brackagh can provide valuable insights into the health of the ecosystem.

Water samples were taken from a peat water pool, and included important vegetation, in this case Sphagnum moss.  The moss was dissected to approximately 2-3mm samples and dipped into a drop of water on a micrscope slide multiple times to dislodge any attached diatoms.

All images are taken using an Omax trinocular microscope, at a magnification of 400x (40x objective, 10x eyepeice) and captured on the Omax 5MP microscope camera: