A STUDY ON PHYTOPLANKTON DIVERSITY IN RIVER GANGA AT ALLAHABAD, UTTAR PRADESH (INDIA)

Abstract

Presence of microscopic algae can cause taste and odour problems, water discoloration, or form large mats that can interfere with boating, swimming, and fishing. The present study was conducted to assess the phytoplankton assemblages which in turn can serve as a suitable method to assess the quality of river ecosystem. Diversity of phytoplankton in river Ganga in Allahabad at five sampling stations was conducted from March to April 2014. Plankton identified in the river mainly composed of the members of Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Cyanophyceae families. The Palmer pollution index values were calculated to know the level of organic pollution and to support the data. On the basis of quantitative and qualitative estimates 15 significant algal species were identified which can tolerate high degree of pollution. The abundance of phytoplanktons in april was greater than in march. Abundance of phytoplanktons and algal bloom was maximum at Chhatnag ghat whereas at Sangam low phytoplankton diversity was found. In general, moderate temperature, low current velocity and high transparency of water appear to be better the conditions for algal growth in the river Ganga. These findings highlighted the deterioration of water quality of the river due to industrial, commercial and anthropogenic activities. The status of phytoplankton diversity of river Ganga was quite low indicating that the river is highly polluted.