Authors : Harney, N.V., A.A. Dhamani and R.J. Andrew
Page Nos : 121-129
Description :
The phytoplankton in aquatic ecosysytems is an important biological indicator of the
water quality. While phytoplankton are major primary producers and the basis of the food
chain in open water, some species on the other hand can be harmful to human and other
organisms by releasing toxic subtances into the water. Phytoplankton plays an important role a
primary producers in fresh water ecosystem. Phytoplankton are the primary producers, which
form the base of an autotrophic food chain. They are of great importance as source of live food
for zooplankton and fishes. The present paper describes the diversity of Chlorophyceae of
Malhara pond, located near the Bhadrawati town of Chandrapur district. Qualitative and
quantitative analysis of Chlorophyceae community was undertaken on monthly basis from
October 2005 to September 2007. A total of 24 chlorophycean species were identified during
the period of Oct. 2005 to Sep. 2006, while a total of 19 chlorophyceaen species were identified
from Oct. 2006 to Sep 2007. In Malhara pond Vorticella sp. was dominant followed by Volvox
sp., Closterium chodati, Netrium digitus, Euastrophis richteri and Pendiatrum tetras and the
present study demonstrated that the Chlorophyceae was maximum during the summer season
and minimum during the monsoon season. The seasonal fluctuation of this group is discussed
in the light of recent literature.
