Phytoplankton Community Structure and Species Diversity of Nangal Wetland, Punjab, India

The phytoplankton community structure and species diversity were studied at Nangal Wetland during February 2013 to January 2014.Phytoplankton samples were collected using phytoplankton net on monthly basis. The samples collected were preserved in 5% solution of formaldehyde on the spot, and then brought to the laboratory for further study. 49 genera belonging to three major classes i.e., dominated by Chlorophyceae (21 genera) followed by Bacillariophyceae (19 genera) and Cyanophyceae (13 genera) were reported. The range, mean and standard deviation for all 3 classes of phytoplankton were recorded. The most abundant genera include Navicula spp., Cymbella spp., Pinnularia spp., Gomphonema spp., Meridion spp., Fragillaria spp., Tabellaria spp., Spyrogyra spp. and Oedogonium spp. The maximum and minimum species richness (Menhinick index R 2) was found to be 0.05 for Chlorophyceae and 0.04 for Cyanophyceae. Maximum and minimum species diversity (Shannon-Weiner H') were found 2.94 for Chlorophyceae and 2.15 for Bacillariophyceae. Maximum species evenness was recorded for Cyanophyceae and minimum for Bacillariophyceae. Highest numerical abundance was observed in summer and lowest during winter season. Phytoplanktonic study is very important because they act as primary producers, food for variety of aquatic organisms and an efficient bio-indicator for water quality. Large population of phytoplankton is thriving in this wetland which enhances its productivity.