Diatoms of North AmericamyDiatoms.org is a collaborative, educational, and scientific initiative designed to engage students, naturalists, and the broader public in the study of diatom biodiversity across aquatic environments worldwide
myDiatoms.org is hosted by the Alverson Laboratory in the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas and supported by the National Science Foundation. The project introduces participants to the microscopic and ecologically pivotal world of diatoms — photosynthetic single-celled algae that contribute roughly 25% of the oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere and play a foundational role in freshwater and marine food webs.
Purpose and Approach
Diatoms are ubiquitous in water bodies, from ponds and rivers to coastal oceans, and possess intricately patterned silica shells (frustules) that vary widely in shape and size. myDiatoms.org invites participants to collect water samples from local aquatic habitats, using simple sampling kits, and submit them to the project team. In return, samples are processed, imaged, and documented, creating a growing global dataset of diatom occurrences tied to specific locations. This approach fosters hands-on learning about microbial biodiversity, microscopy, and aquatic ecology while building a community-sourced record of diatom distributions.
Participation and Resources
Participation is available anyone and structured to be accessible at many levels:
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Science Engagement: Individuals and groups can request sampling kits, collect and submit samples, and receive professional imaging and identification.
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Education: The project offers teaching resources and lesson plans for middle and high school classrooms to support inquiry-based learning about diatoms and ecosystem science.
Data Access: Submitted samples contribute to an interactive dataset where community contributions expand the spatial and ecological scope of documented diatoms.
By enabling widespread participation in diatom sampling and documenting local biodiversity, myDiatoms.org bridges scientific research and public involvement. It enhances understanding of diatom diversity, builds appreciation for microbial life, and provides valuable educational experiences that connect learners with real scientific data collection and analysis.
