Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF POLLUTION ON WATER QUALITY AND PHYTOPLANKTON DIVERSITY IN CANAL SYSTEM OF RIVER GANGA

Gagan Matta*, R. R. Pandey and K. K. Saini

Abstract

Seasonal distribution of phytoplankton ecology and nutrient status of water were studied in River Ganga of Haridwar for a period of one year covering three seasons at two sites, Site 1(Bhimgoda Barrage – Control Site) and Site 2 is Bahadrabad. Maximum population density was observed in the summer season followed by winters and monsoon showing the increase in pollution load in Ganga Canal due to major anthropogenic activities in summers. Higher phytoplankton populations were encountered in Site 2 is Bahadrabad which corresponded to the fluctuation of existing turbidity, dissolved oxygen and better organic load. Numbers of species were identified but 3 dominant groups were identified viz., Diatoms, Green algae and Blue green algae. Six species such as Diatoma, Fragilaria, Gomphonema, Amphora, Cymbella and Achnanthes belonging to Diatoms group were recorded maximum during the study period. Higher concentration of phytoplankton diversity at Site 2 indicates polluted nature of river water and can be used as an indicator of organic pollution in the river.

Keywords: Ganga Canal, River Ganga System, Phytoplankton ecology, nutrient dynamics.