Assessment of algal diversity in Krishna River and their role in pollution mitigation
A. Rajani1*, E.M. Sunitha2 , P. Tirupathi3 , and A. Kavitha4
1,4Department of Botany, R.B.V.R.R. Women’s College, Narayanaguda, Hyderabad - 500027 (India) 2Department of Botany, Babu Jagjeevan Ram Government Degree College, Narayanaguda, Hyderabad - 500029 (India) 3Department of Botany, SRR Government Arts and Science College, Karimnagar - 505001 (India) *Corresponding Author: rajani2477@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
This study presents a comprehensive assessment of algal diversity and pollution mitigation potential across three ecological segments—upstream, midstream, and downstream—of the Krishna River. Algal isolates were cultured and identified using Bold’s Basal Medium (BBM) and characterized microscopically based on cell shape, chloroplast morphology, and colony formation. The upstream samples revealed the presence of Chlorella sp., Spirogyra sp., and Closterium sp., indicating relatively clean, oligotrophic conditions. Midstream isolates comprised Scenedesmus sp. and Navicula sp., reflective of moderate nutrient influx. Downstream samples showed increased diversity and biomass with Spirulina sp., Eudorina sp., and Pediastrum sp., signifying eutrophic conditions due to cumulative pollution.