Assessment and quantification of phytoplankton diversity of Tikkar Tal Lake of Morni Hills Haryana, India

This study assessed plankton and aquatic weeds in Tikkar Tal Lake, Morni Hills, Haryana, over six months (March-August 2023). A total of 43 genera were recorded, including 29 phytoplankton, which were categorized into Bacillariophyceae (11 genera), Chlorophyceae (10 genera), Cyanophyceae (4 genera), Dinophyceae (2 genera), and Euglenophyceae (2 genera). Phytoplankton species distribution varied across sites, with the highest diversity observed at Site 3. The Shannon-Weaver diversity index for phytoplankton was highest at Site 3 (1.523) and lowest at Site 1 (0.647). The quantity of phytoplankton peaked in May (43,800 plankton/liter) and was lowest in August (14,800 plankton/liter). This study provides essential data for the conservation and management of Tikkar Tal Lake.