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The Netherlands are a small country, characterized by a large diversity of fresh to slightly brackish, oligo- to hypereutrophic stagnant and flowing inland waters. This diversity is reflected in a remarkable richness of phytoplankton species with blue-green algae as an important component. Identification of phytoplankton frequently brings on serious problems, due to the scarcity of up-to-date floras.

This book, written by an acknowledged Dutch phytoplankton expert, presents a new and critical approach to the identification of phytoplankton of The Netherlands.

For the first time 95 species belonging to 23 genera of non-filamentous blue-green algae known to occur in the plankton of Dutch inland waters are treated in a single flora; including one genus and 15 species new to science. Nomenclature is according to modern insights and in agreement with international rules. Over 500 original black-and-white photographs of Dutch material have been carefully selected to show all the details necessary for light-microscopical identification. To further facilitate identification a key to the species is provided and every species is compared to similar forms. Its ecology and occurrence in different water types are indicated in the accompanying text. Finally, all relevant literature references are given.

This unique flora will be the standard for identification of non-filamentous blue-green algae not only in The Netherlands but also in the whole temperate-zone of the northern hemisphere, for many years to come. It will be very useful for taxonomists as well as ecologists interested in the diversity and identification of this interesting group.