Algae are an important component of aquatic benthic ecosystems because they reflect the health of their environment through their density, abundance, and diversity. Divided into three sections, this book presents algae as the important player in relation to environmental health. It is prepared by leading authorities in the field.

It includes comprehensive treatment of the functions of benthic algae as well as the factors that affect these important aquatic organisms. It acts as an important reference for anyone interested in understanding and managing freshwater ecosystems.

Patterns of Benthic Algae in Aquatic Ecosystems: R.J. Stevenson, An Introduction to Algal Ecology in Freshwater Benthic Habitats. B.J.F. Biggs, Patterns in Benthic Algae of Streams. R.L. Lowe, PeriphytonPatterns in Lakes. L.G. Goldsborough and G.G.C. Robinson, Pattern in Wetlands. Factors Affecting Benthic Algae: W.R. Hill, Effects of Light. D.M. DeNicola, Periphyton Responses to Temperature at Different Ecological Levels. M.A. Borchardt, Nutrients. P.V. McCormick, Resource Competition and Species Coexistence in Freshwater Benthic Algal Assemblages. J.M. Burkholder, Interactions of Benthic Algae with Their Substrata. N.C. Tuchman, The Role of Heterotrophyin Algae. R.J. Stevenson, The Stimulation and Drag of Current. A.D. Steinman, Effects of Grazers on Freshwater Benthic Algae. C.G. Peterson, Response of Benthic Algal Communities to Natural Physical Disturbance. R.B. Genter, Ecotoxicology of Inorganic Chemical Stress to Algae. K.D. Hoaglund, J.P. Carder, and R.L. Spawn, Effects of Organic Toxic Substances. D. Planas, Acidification Effects. The Niche of Benthic Algae in Freshwater Ecosystems: G.A. Lamberti, The Role of Periphyton in Benthic Food Webs.
T.L. Bott, Algae in Microscopic Food Webs. P.J. Mulholland, Role in Nutrient Cycling in Streams. R.G. Wetzel, Benthic Algae and Nutrient Cycling in Lentic Freshwater Ecosystems. C.D. McIntire, S.V. Gregory, A.D. Steinman, and G.A. Lamberti, Modeling Benthic Algal Communities: An Example from Stream Ecology. R.L. Lowe and Y. Pan, Benthic Algal Communities as Biological Monitors. Taxonomic Index. Subject Index.