Species Abundance Counts of Benthic Diatoms in the Upper Kuparuk River, Alaska, 1997-2022

This dataset contains species abundance data of epilithic diatoms collected from the Upper Kuparuk River, Alaska (USA), spanning from 1997 to 2022. The dataset is part of a long-term study aimed at understanding the ecological impacts of phosphorus enrichment in Arctic freshwater ecosystems. Samples were collected annually from the river to examine if physical, chemical, biological, weather, and climate variables influence diatom community composition over time. The dataset includes detailed records of diatom species identified and their relative abundances ins the reference reach only.
Analyses of this dataset using permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA), canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), and partial canonical correspondence analysis (pCCA) . Analyses reveal significant shifts in diatom community composition over time, closely linked to changes in alkalinity, nitrate + nitrite, total dissolved phosphorus, dissolved organic carbon, and wind speed. We identify specific diatom taxa as bioindicators, highlighting their sensitivity to shifts in alkalinity, nitrate + nitrite, and wind speed. This dataset provides valuable insights on how climate change is reshaping the structure and function of Arctic rivers, underscoring the importance of diatoms as bioindicators in Arctic ecosystems. It serves as an important resource for researchers studying nutrient dynamics, ecological monitoring, and the impacts of climate change on Arctic freshwater systems.