WATER QUALITY AND PERIODICITY OF PHYTOPLANKTONIC ALGAE IN CHAMBAL TAL, GWALIOR, MADHYA PRADESH
S. KAUSIK *
School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior 474 011 (M.P.)
M. S. AGARKAR *
School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior 474 011 (M.P.)
D. N. SAKSENA *
School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior 474 011 (M.P.)
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A study of the seasonal fluctuation of phytoplanktonic algae in relation to water quality of Chambal tal, situated on Fort, Gwalior has been carried out for a period of one year i.e., from January 1989 to December 1989. The physico-chemical characteristics revealed the alkaliphilous nature and meroeuthermal condition of the tank water. Eighty seven species of planktonic algae were identified belonging to Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Dinophyceae. During the course of present study, three peaks of phytoplankton namely - late monsoon comprising dominantly of Chlorophyceae; late winter early summer comprising members of all groups almost equally, while the late summer peak exhibited dominamce of Cyanophyceaen algae.
On application the indices of Nygaard and Palmer it was revealed that the present water body is highly eutrophic.
Keywords: Seasonal variation in planktonic algae, eutrophy, chamball tal