Taxonomic Diversity of Freshwater Algae from Ghazipur District, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

This study investigates the taxonomic diversity of freshwater algae from Ghazipur District, with the objective of documenting algal composition across different inland aquatic habitats and establishing baseline data for ecological assessment. Freshwater samples were collected from ponds, rivers, seasonal wetlands and irrigation canals during different seasons to capture spatial and temporal variation. Algal taxa were identified using standard microscopic and morphological techniques, and classified into major algal groups. The results reveal considerable diversity, with Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Cyanophyceae as the dominant classes, while Euglenophyceae and Xanthophyceae show limited representation. Habitat-wise and seasonal differences in algal assemblages reflect variations in nutrient status, hydrological conditions and anthropogenic influence. The presence of both pollution-tolerant and sensitive taxa indicates a mosaic of ecological conditions within the district’s freshwater systems. The study highlights the ecological importance of freshwater algae as indicators of water quality and emphasises the need for regular, district-level taxonomic surveys to support freshwater ecosystem management and conservation in eastern Uttar Pradesh.