Biogeographic Distribution Patterns of Diatoms in Lancang River and Their Key Drivers

As an important primary producer, diatoms play a key role in aquatic ecosystems. However, little is known about the geographical distribution characteristics and driving factors of diatoms in large rivers. In this study, based on a high-throughput sequencing dataset of microeukaryotes, we analyzed the diversities and community compositions of planktonic and sedimentary diatoms in the 1200 km mainstream of Lancang River, a typical large river in southwestern China. The results showed that the diversities of planktonic and sedimentary diatoms in Lancang River were higher in the upstream natural section, and the community compositions of both groups were significantly different among different river sections. Dam construction had a significant effect on the dominant genera. Variance partitioning analysis showed that dispersal limitation was a major driving factor for the distribution pattern of planktonic and sedimentary diatoms, with explanation proportions of 16.7% and 29.8%. Co-occurrence network analyses showed that the interspecific competition relationship and network connectivity of the planktonic diatom network were stronger than the sedimentary ones. The network connectivity of planktonic and sedimentary diatoms in the cascade reservoir section was higher than that of the upstream natural section. This study will help to better understand the biogeographical distribution of diatoms in large rivers and provide useful information for ecological responses of diatoms to dam construction in rivers.