Some physico-chemical parameters and phytoplankton biodiversity of Ithikkara River, Kerala, India

The Ithikkara River, Kerala, India is used for drinking, bathing and fisheries purposes. It is important to have information on the water quality of this river considering its importance to the inhabitants of Kerala. The study therefore determined some physico-chemical parameters and phytoplankton population of Ithikara River. A total of 4 families and 36 genera with Chlorophyceae (15 genera) as dominant group and Desmidiaceae (1 genus) as least group were recorded. The presence of dominant Chlorophyceae, low genera composition, diversity, abundance and distribution of phytoplankton as well as pollution indicator genera (Synedra, Navicula, Nitzschia, Scenedesmus and Anabaena) signifies that Ithikkara River is polluted. Based on these observations, the study recommends the concerted surveillance on, monitoring and evaluation of the Ithikkara River to avoid indiscriminating discharge of effluents from various human activities within and around the river.Keywords: Microalgae, assemblage, water quality, pollution, Ithikkara River