International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 02 | Feb 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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Water Quality Assessment using Phytoplankton Diversity and Ecological Indicators in Lake Mallampally Siddipet, Telangana V. Srinivas1, Srujan K2, Raju Kamuni3, Dr. D. Seshikala4, Raju Kaduru6, Research Scholar, Dept. of Envi. Science, UCS, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India Research Scholar, Dept. of Envi. Science, UCS, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India 3. Research Scholar, Dept. of Envi. Science, UCS, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India 4. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Envi. Science, UCS, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India 5. Research Scholar, Dept. of Envi. Science, UCS, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India ---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------(Dodds et al., 2019). As a result, understanding the dynamics Abstract: 1. 2.
of biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems is critical for their preservation and sustainable management. Phytoplankton, algae, and aquatic vegetation are essential components of freshwater ecosystems and important bioindicators of environmental health.
Phytoplankton communities play a pivotal role in aquatic ecosystems as primary producers and ecological indicators of water quality. This study investigates the diversity and ecological significance of phytoplankton in Mallampally Lake, Siddipet District, Telangana. Eight phytoplankton taxa were identified, including Nitella, Nostoc, Diatom, Oedogonium, Hydrodictyon, Khara, Volvox, and Spirogyra. These species were analyzed for their potential as bioindicators of nutrient status and water quality. Results reveal a dominance of species associated with eutrophic conditions, such as Hydrodictyon, Nostoc, and Volvox, indicative of moderatly elevated nutrient levels. Diatoms and Spirogyra were also prevalent, suggesting moderate nutrient enrichment. Comparative analysis with other freshwater ecosystems in India, such as Kolleru Lake, underscores similarities in phytoplankton composition and nutrient dynamics. The findings highlight the ecological importance of monitoring phytoplankton diversity to assess and manage freshwater ecosystem health. Continued studies are recommended to track ecological changes and guide conservation efforts in Mallampally Lake and similar aquatic systems.
Phytoplankton, as primary producers, form the base of the aquatic food web and contribute significantly to oxygen generation and nutrient cycling (Reynolds, 2006). Algae and aquatic plants not only provide habitat and food for diverse aquatic organisms but also exhibit rapid responses to changes in nutrient levels, pollution, and other environmental variables, making them accurate indicators of water quality (Palmer, 1969; Wetzel, 2001). For example, eutrophication, a process caused by excessive nutrient intake, frequently results in algal blooms, which have been well-documented as indicators of ecological imbalance in freshwater systems (Smith, 2003).
Study area: Mallampally Lake, nestled in the village of Mallampally, Siddipet District, Telangana, has been a vital part of the region's landscape since its construction in 1902. Spanning 190 acres, the lake holds water across 127 acres, primarily during the rainy season. Beyond its scenic beauty, it serves as a lifeline for local farmers, irrigating nearly 1,500 acres of farmland. The village itself is home to around 3,650 people, with roughly 750 families depending directly on agriculture for their livelihood. The primary crops grown in the area include paddy, maize, cotton, and chilli, cultivated across both Kharif and Rabi seasons, underscoring the community's deep reliance on the lake for irrigation.
Keywords: Phytoplankton diversity, ecological indicators, Mallampally Lake, eutrophication, water quality, freshwater ecosystems.
Introduction: Freshwater habitats are important for global biodiversity because they provide crucial ecosystem services such as water purification, habitat provision, and support for aquatic and terrestrial species (Dudgeon et al. 2006). These ecosystems are among the most biodiverse and productive on Earth, but they are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures such as pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change (Reid et al., 2019). Biodiversity within these systems is critical for sustaining ecological stability, controlling nutrient cycling, and increasing ecosystem resilience to environmental change
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As a rain-fed waterbody, Mallampally Lake plays a crucial role in sustaining agriculture, but it also faces significant environmental threats. Agricultural runoff, excessive fertilizer use, and waste dumping pose risks to its water quality. Nutrient overload from fertilizers can lead to eutrophication, affecting aquatic life and reducing water usability. Additionally, improper waste disposal can introduce heavy metals and other pollutants, further
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