Physicochemical Analysis of Lake Chitu: The Origin of Arthrospira Plantesis

Abstract

Chitu is a unique poly-extreme soda lake with high alkalinity and salinity that supports Arthrospira plantesis inhabitation. In this study, the physical parameters, chemical analysis, and some heavy metal contents in Lake Chitu were determined using flam and hydride AAS. The physicochemical analysis showed higher variability in anion and cation concentration in the three transactional areas of the lake. The physical parameters of the lake showed no difference and the chemical analysis indicated that pH, carbonate, sulphate, and fluoride concentration were higher in the anthropogenic part of the lake. This shows that human/animal interference and thermal spring water play a role. Of the three transactional areas of the lake, samples from the flooded area of the lake showed the highest alkalinity and bicarbonate concentration, while samples from the protected area showed the lowest alkalinity. The mercury and arsenic contamination was highest in the protected and anthropogenic parts of the lake respectively. The present study strongly suggest that Lake Chitu, the unique habitat for arthrospira plantesis with possible use in diverse applications, which should be further investigated by seasonal sampling.