ABSTRACT

Phytoplanktons are an essential component in the ecosystem as they provide food (primary producer) to higher trophic levels through the process of photosynthesis with the release of oxygen as a by-product. They act as an indicator of variations in water quality and helps in nutrient removal in lakes. The diversity, density, and distribution of phytoplankton in a water body are dependent on the quality of the habitat (water quality). The present study deals with the assessment of physico-chemical parameters and phytoplankton diversity of lakes in Bangalore. A total of 58 genera of phytoplankton were recorded in Bangalore lakes. The phytoplankton in the studied lakes was represented by five major groups, i.e., Chlorophyta, Bacillariophyta, Cyanobacteria, Charophyta, and Euglenozoa. Cyanobacteriais the most dominant that suppresses the growth of other phytoplankton groups. The primary production evident from the composition of phytoplankton in the lakes depends on the environmental parameters. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) of the water quality parameters and phytoplankton genera indicated the influence of water quality on phytoplankton composition

in monitored lakes of Bangalore. A reduction in phytoplankton diversity is attributed to a decline in the water quality of lakes with increased water pollution. The phytoplankton serves as excellent bioindicators as it responds to environmental stress. Hence, phytoplanktons are being used in the biomonitoring programs of lakes.

Keywords: Phytoplankton, Lakes, Water quality, Cyanophyceae, Biomonitoring.