Benthic algae have been intensively studied, especially over the past two decades. This intensity has been stimulated by the widespread recognition that benthic algae are ideal indicators of the health of many, if not most, aquatic ecosystems. With this book we hope to synthesize this vital area of research and share its essence with our colleagues and students. We started with an outline of the myriad abiotic and biotic determinants of benthic algal ecology. Foremost was the realization that benthic algae are primary producers in food webs and are the fundamental components in biogeochemical cycles of aquatic ecosystems. We then chose experts to write and review chapters and most.
