Diversity of phytoplakton in Kamla river water between Jaynagar and Jhanjharpur

Seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton populations and nutrient status of water were studied in sewage adopted river Kamla for a period of one year covering four seasons. Phytoplankton population and water analysis were studied using standard procedures. Maximum population density was observed in the winter season followed by spring, summer and rainy. Higher phytoplankton populations were found near Kali mandir and old Durga mandir which corresponded to the fluctuation of prevailing conductivity, turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), better organic load and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) content of the those habitats. A total of 37 species belonging to four different groups were recorded during the study period. Spirogyra, Scenedesmus, Pediastrum, Navicula, Fragillaria, Oscillatoria, Euglena and Microspora were the most abundant followed by Chlamydomonas, Ulothrix, Nitzschia and Amphora. Higher concentration of diatoms near Kali mandir and old Durga mandir indicates polluted zone of the river. Oscillatoria, Spirulina, Fragillaria and Nitzschia species at sewage affected sites can be used as an indicator of organic pollution in the river. Our findings highlighted the deterioration of water quality in the river due to urbanization and human activities. Proper biological and chemical treatment of domestic sewage and factorial effluents before discharge to river system is suggested.