Abstract
The water quality of the springs in Noto Peninsula was surveyed from 1994 to 1997, through the use of DAIpo (Diatom Assemblage Index to organic water pollution), supplemented by some physicochemical variables.
DAIpo values obtained from t he attached diatom assemblages at the sampling sites, ranged from 60 to 99. These values indicate that the degree of water pollution at all sites corresponds to the oligosaprobic level in the former saprobic system. The springs in this study can be classified one of the following 3 types:
1. The springs with a water quality at the xenosaprobic level (DAIpo 88-99), include those springs (Nos,8,9,13,14,15) distributed from Uchiura Town to Yanagida Village and Monzen Town at the headpoint of this Peninslula.
2. The springs with a water quality at the δ-oligosaprobic level (DAlpo 74-84), include those springs (Nos.1,3,4,6,10,17,18).
3. The springs with a water quality at the α-oligosaprobic (DAIpo 60-68), include those springs (Nos.2,5,7,11,12,16,19,20) scattered all over the densely populated zone and its vicinity or around tourist resorts.
