Also, the southern branch of the Yangtze River significantly enhances the island's rich biodiversity, contributing to the diversity of its aquatic ecosystems. This unique geographical environment establishes a robust foundation for the study of the high level of biodiversity for diatom flora, with the potential of describing new taxa, according to the research team.

"The Yangtze River estuary has always been a hot spot for biodiversity — not only for bird and fish species, but also for aquatic life. Such a spot could be home to numerous species, especially the unique ones. Our discovery further proved it, and underscored the estuary's unique value as a critical habitat for important species," Zhang Wei, associate professor at the university and leader of the research team, said.