PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ON ALGAL GROWTH

Abstract

Identifying the biological processes that influence algal growth is essential for ecosystem management. Algae are little aquatic plants that exist either as solitary cells or in regions of diverse dimensions. Zooplankton rely on them as a crucial component of the aquatic food chain, since they provide as their primary source of nutrition. Algae, via the process of photosynthesis, produce oxygen that is subsequently released into the water, serving as a vital resource for fish and other aquatic organisms. This work presents a methodology for estimating the biological characteristics of algae, which play a crucial role in the regulation of eutrophication, via the use of modelling and exploration methodologies. The estimation of algae growth and respiration rates was conducted by using a one-dimensional water quality model and two-dimensional regionally distributed water quality data taken from Lower Manair Dam of Karimnagar District, Telangana. A total of 24 algae were detected in the sample. The most abundant types of algae include Green algae, Flagellate algae, Cyanobacteria, and Diatoms. In the summer season, 17 types of algae were found, while in the spring season, 20 types were detected. The estimation of biological characteristics of algae in natural freshwater environments may be achieved by a physico-chemical technique, which offers an alternate option to sampling and in situ testing. KEYWORDS: Algal growth, biological parameters, Lower Manair Dam, eutrophication, in situ testing