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Phytoplankton Diversity of Katangi Dam, Gondia Dist., Maharashtra.

Prashant C. Shahare*

Assistant Professor, Dhote Bandhu Science College, Gondia.
Email of corresponding Author: pcshahare@gmail.com

ABSTRACT:
The eminence of water determines the biological components of the aquatic

ecosystem. Phytoplankton constitutes the different basis of nutrient cycle of an aquatic

ecosystem. They play a conclusive role in maintaining proper equilibrium between biotic and
abiotic components of an aquatic ecosystem. Algal samples were collected at monthly

intervals from Jan-2018 to Dec-2018. The algal taxa were identified with the help of standard
literatures. In the present study 23 species under 21 genera have been identified and recorded.

They belonged to Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Charophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and
Euglenophyceae. Out of these 12 species were belonged to Chlorophyceae, 6 species

belonged to Cyanophyceae, 3 species belonged to Bacillariophyceae and 1 species belonged

to Charophyceae and Euglenophyceae. Since this water body is rich in various fresh water
micro-organisms, it should be protected as a natural wealth. These variations in

environmental condition have helped this region to be rich in the algal diversity.

Keywords: Phytoplankton Diversity, fresh water, Katangi Dam, Gondia district.

Introduction
Water is the most important constituent as well as factor for the maintenance of any

ecosystem anywhere in the world. The quality of water defines the biological components of
the water ecosystem. Algal community encountered in the water body reflects the average

ecological condition and therefore they may be used as indicator of water quality (Bhatt,
et.al. 1999; Saha et.al. 2000). Any modification in the physiochemical landscape of water

will automatically reduce the fresh water biodiversity. The algal flora is widely distributed

and is an important component of various ecosystems like marine, fresh water rivers, ponds
and streams, etc. It is the basic food for aquatic fauna and fish. Resembling other algal flora it

is an important indicator of pollution (Patrick and Reimer, 1966). In Gondia district Cherian
and Shahare, (2011) reported 18 forms of algae of which 9 belongs to Cyanophyceae, 3 to

Chlorophyceae and 6 to Bacillariophyceae were reported from Chulband River, Gondia

district. Shahare and Cherian, (2012a) reported 20 forms of desmids were observed from
Chulband River, Gondia district. Shahare and Cherian, (2012b) reported 32 forms of

Cyanophyceae were observed from Chulband Dam, Gondia district.

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