A Report on Thermophilic Cyanophyta (Cyanobacteria) from Jakrem Hotspring, Meghalaya

Abstract

Jakrem hot water spring in West Khasi Hill District is one of the most important hot springs of Meghalaya. People here believe that this hot spring water has curative medicinal properties and as a result good numbers of people visit the hot spring throughout the year. A preliminary survey of this hot water spring has been done to know the diversity of thermophilic algae. The study revealed the presence of thick green mat mainly composed of species of Mastigocladus and Microcoleus of Cyanophyceae. Totally 10 species belonging to six genera from different groups of Cyanophyceae have been recorded. Out of these, four species belonged to the genus Oscillatoria, two species from Calothrix, and one species each from Chroococcus, Mastigocladus, Microcoleus and Phormidium. pH of the thermal spring ranged from 8.5−9.38, alkalinity ranged from 30−40 mg/L. Temperature ranged from 39−50 °C. Sulphate content was also remarkably high ranged from 20.0−53.4 mg/L and calcium ranged from 4.2−8.41 mg/L, phosphate (0.62−0.75 mg/L) nitrate was found in minute quantities (0.02−0.04 mg/L).