Algal Diversity of Arulmigu Sri Thiyagarajaswamy Temple Tank Thiruvottiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Objectives: Arulmigu Sri Thiyagarajaswamy Temple, Thiruvottiyur, Tamil Nadu has a tank which is unexplored for its algal flora. Thus an attempt has been made to study the diversity of algae. Methods: Water samples were randomly collected in plastic bottles from different sites of the tank. Samples were also collected by scrapping the steps of the temple tank to get the epilithic algae. Habitat was checked for its pH and Temperature. Samples were brought to the laboratory and preserved in 4% formalin for further studies. Observation and documentation of the algae was done using HOVERLABS Research Photo Microscopic Unit. Findings: In the present study a total number of 28 genera 39 taxa belonging to the three different Classes namely Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Bacillariophyceae were recorded. Maximum number of 9 taxa was observed from the family Scenedesmaceae of Chlorophyceae. It was interesting to note that 16 families had only a single taxon. The result clearly shows that the temple tank has rich algal flora and greater diversity. Applications: This study divulges that the temple tanks are one of the best habitats for microalgae. Hence the algal diversity can be used for determining the pollution level of such tanks.