Distribution and Characterization of Microalgae from Chenab and Ravi River, Punjab Pakistan

This research explores the taxonomic investigation of algae in some selected habitats of the Chenab and Ravi Rivers of Punjab with respect to different environmental, biological and water quality parameters ascertained by using different laboratory instruments and chemicals. Identification of algae was carried out by using light microscopy with the aid of standard taxonomic keys while water quality analysis involved both field and laboratory methods include measurement of pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids, by using digital meters. 35 freshwater algal species comprise 14 genera, 13 families, 13 orders, 3 classes, two Phylum Volvocophycota and Bacillariophycota; Volvocophycota contains 3 genera and 9 green algal species, Bacillariophycota contains 11 described Genera and 26 are diatoms were reported. The Phylum Bacillariophycota's high-density species (Nitzschia capitellata, N. palea, N. vermicularis, N. gandersheimiensis, and N. sigmoidea) and (Gomphonema dichotomum, G. parvulum, G. sphaerophorum, G. augur, G. lanceolatum, G. ghosea) were investigated. Other single genera belongs to species which explored were like Caloneis tenuis, Ctenophora pulchella, Frustulia rhomboids, Neidium affine var. amphirhynchus and Cyclotella comta. In this case, the most dominant out both phylum of Genus Cosmarium species were collected from samples of both rivers. Water quality tests were also performed to analyze the quantity of minerals affecting algal diversity. A clear relationship between water quality factors such as concentrations of nutrients, pH, and algal abundance and composition was established. Locations with higher nutrient concentrations showed higher growth in certain groups of algae, reflecting their sensitivity to environmental factors. This highlights the position of algae as water quality bioindicators. Findings of this study are significant for ecological monitoring and are useful in shaping freshwater resource management and conservation approaches. This is also to establish the distribution and characterization on the diversity of algae in both freshwater habitats and determine the best growing conditions. It is the first algal taxonomy of Chenab River algae in the Gujrat district.