Status of phytoplankton diversity and biomass in relation to productivity of Ram-Ganga reservoir at Kalagarh (Uttarakhand)

Abstract

Reservoirs, Lakes and Rivers are most important water resources with multiple human utilization and ecological relevance. Ramganga reservoir (latitude 29o-31'-13'' longitude 78o-45'-35'') is covering an area 7831 hectares of water surface in the foot hills of Shiwalik Himalayan range in between Garhwal and Kumaun region. The present study was to assess the status of phytoplankton diversity and biomass in order to know the productivity of Ram-Ganga reservoir. A total 31 species were recorded out of which 14 were Chlorophyceae, 9 Bacillariophyceae and 8 Cyanophyceae. Present study revealed maximum percentage wise composition, the highest number of Chlorophyceae (50%) in lower zone, Bacillariophyceae (35%) in the middle zone I and the number of cyanophyceae (20%) in lower zone. Shanon Weiner index (H’) values (2.26) were found to be the highest at middle zone II and lowest value (0.69) were found in upper zone.