Integrated Ecohydrology and Systems Biology: Algae Morphotypes and Their Role in Freshwater Ecosystem Functioning

ABSTRACT The hydrobiological ecosystem and ecohydrology of freshwater algae play a significant role in regulating ecosystem stability by influencing water flow, nutrient cycling and habitat conservation. This study was performed in different unexplored areas of village Kosht (District Chitral), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan (72°9′0″ E 36°14′0″ N) for detailed morpho‐taxonomic description of freshwater algae. The collection was conducted from four distinct habitats in Kosht, including streams, ponds, rivers and wetlands, to provide a comprehensive assessment of the algae species present in the region. Four families, four genera and twenty‐seven species have been found in the study area. Out of 27 species, 10 species of Cosmarium (40.74%), 6 species of Synedra (22.22%), 6 species of Pinnularia (22.22%) and 4 species of Scenedesmus (14.81%) were identified. The above‐mentioned species have been identified in the research area for the first time. Assessments of the physio‐chemical properties of water were also carried out. The result of some of the physico‐chemical parameters was pH (7.61), total dissolved solid (939 mg/L), chloride (151.56 mg/L), sulphate (25.95 mg/L), sodium 48, nitrite (3.65 mg/L), total alkalinity (717.99 mg/L), calcium (135.04 mg/L), conductivity (1446) and turbidity (7 NTU). Further studies in the Tehsil Mulkhow‐Torkhow, District Upper Chitral, are recommended to investigate the complete algal diversity of the area. The ecohydrological biology of the system provide a framework to understand the algal morphotypes influences freshwater ecosystem functioning mediated nutrient cycling, trophic interactions and hydrodynamic stability. This research should focus on quantifying species specific functional traits, integrating multi‐scale modelling approaches and assessing anthropogenic impacts under changing climate.