Journal of Environmental Biology

Fresh water planktonic algae from oligotrophic habitat

of West Bengal with special remarks on taxonomy and ecology

J.P. Keshri¹, A.K.? Ghosh²*, S. Ghosh¹, S. Roy¹ and A. Chakraborty²

¹Phycology Research Lab, Department in Botany (UGC - CAS), The University of Burdwan, Golapbag, Burdwan-713 104, India

²Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, 53 University Road, Lucknow-226 007, India

*Corresponding Author E-mail: akghosh_in@yahoo.com           

Key words

Fresh water

Oligotrophic

Planktonic algae

SEM studies

West Bengal 

Publication Data

Paper received : 29.04.2017?????????????????? Revised received : 29.06.2017????????????????????? Re-revised received : 12.07.2017 Accepted : 04.08.2017   

Abstract

Aim: Taxonomic analysis of fresh water phytoplankton based on bright field microscopy and SEM studies is yet to be done in depth that may elucidate a number of new taxa. The present study on the assemblage of fresh water phytoplankton is focused to interpret the ecological condition of the studied water body of Bankura District in West Bengal.

Methodology: Phytoplankton samples were collected from water bodies of Bankura District, West Bengal during the winter season. Planktonic algal taxa were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy after preliminary observations made under Bright Field Microscopy. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the phytoplankton were done for accurate taxonomic assignment of the taxa and interpretation of ecological perspectives.           

Results: The qualitative analysis revealed an assemblage of phytoplankton that includes ten taxa. In the present assemblage, euglenophytes are represented by only one species, whereas, five species of desmids belonging to three genera and four species of diatoms belonging to four genera have been identified and illustrated. Quantitatively amongst the different groups of phytoplankton, desmids are dominant (57%) followed by diatoms (40%) with a minor representation of euglenophytes (3%).            

Interpretation: The qualitative and quantitative analyses of the phytoplankton assemblage indicate an oligotrophic condition.

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