Impact of water quality on the phytoplankton abundance of Paniyala fish pond in Roorkee, District Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Abstract

The phytoplankton shows an ability to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. Under natural condition, they usually grow in the mixed community which may include many species and genera. The phytoplankton abundance and their impact on the water quality were studied in Paniyala fish pond, located in Roorkee Uttarakhand. Samples were collected monthly from March 2007 to February 2008 at four stations early in the morning. Physico-chemical parameters like temperature, conductivity, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total alkalinity and chloride were measured simultaneously. Monthly variations were quite evident and showed maximum phytoplankton abundance in the month of January (3631.75 Unit/l). Three divisions of phytoplankton were found which include diatoms, green algae and blue green algae. The greatest number of individuals was reported in diatoms (1610.0±909.97 Unit/l) followed by green algae (178.29±109.02 Unit/l) and blue green algae (38.42±24.13 Unit/l). Effects of eutrophication were evident from this study with increased biomass of phytoplankton and water quality was deteriorated to some extent resulting in threat to fish fauna in it.