Ecological Study of Blue Green Algae of Canal Waters in Alappuzha, Kerala

By : Jayasree S, Sincy Joseph, S. Sreeranjini

Page No: 91-98

Abstract 
In the present study five important canals of Alappuzha were analysed for algal distribution viz. Kottaram Canal, Alappuzha – Cherthala Canal, Commercial Canal, Vadai Canal and Uppootti Canal. Algae, the principle primary producers are photosynthetic thallophytes, usually are microscopic, unicellular and colonial or multicellular. The Canals contain different types of Phyco-components like planktons, benthos, epiphytic organisms etc. The algal taxa from Class Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Cyanophyceae were found in these canals Totally 23 species of algae were recorded from the study sites. Among them maximum number of species (7 species) was recorded from Vadai canal followed by Alappuzha-Cherthala canal (6 species), and Kottaram canal (4 species). Members from Class Chlorophyceae were found dominant followed by Class Bacillariophyceae and Cyanophyceae. Three among these canals were showed Physico chemical parameters at the favourable limit and two were rich in nutrients, because of the discharge of effluents from the industrial area which is Alappuzha-sherthala canal and Vadai canal because of the discharge of effluents from the industrial area which is Alappuzha-Cherthala canal Vadai canal.

Authors :
Jayasree S : Department of Botany, Maharaja’s College, Ernakulum, Kerala.
Sincy Joseph : Department of Botany, St. Stephen’s College, Uzhavoor, Kottayam, Kerala.
S. Sreeranjini : Department of Botany, Sanathana Dharma College, Alappuzha, Kerala.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JPSR.2022.38.01.7