Taxonomic Study of Freshwater Algae from Jilani Park, Lahore, Pakistan

Freshwater algae are crucial components of aquatic ecosystems, contributing significantly to primary production and serving as bioindicators of environmental health. This study documented the taxonomy of freshwater algae in Jilani Park, Lahore, Pakistan, providing a comprehensive assessment of their diversity and distribution. Samples were collected from six different sites within the park during November 2023 to January 2024. Standard taxonomic procedures were used to identify and classify algal species, while measuring environmental parameters like pH, temperature, latitude, and longitude. A total of 30 algal species were identified, belonging to three kingdoms: Monera, Protista and Protoctista. The kingdom Monera included two classes within Phylum Cyanophycota; Chroocophyceae & Nostocophyceae with 13.4% and 6.6% respectively. The kingdom Protista had most % of species including Volvocophycota (Desmidiophyceae 6.6%); Euglenophycota (Euglenophyceae 3.4%) & Bacillariophycota (Bacillariophyceae 50%). The kingdom Protoctista included four classes (Chlorophyceae, Ulvophyceae, Zygnemophyceae, & Siphonocladophyceae) within Phylum Chlorophycota accounting for 20% of species. Frequently encountered genus included Gomphonema Ehrenberg, Nitzschia Hassall, and Pinnularia (Ehrenb.) Ehrenberg. The diversity measures indicated moderate to high species diversity across different sites, with environmental factors like pH and temperature shaping the algal communities, providing baseline data for future ecological monitoring and conservation efforts in Jilani Park.