Study of fungal diversity with reference to physical and chemical parameters

The investigation from February 2011 to December 2012, bimonthly, for three seasons viz., summer, monsoon and winter for six selected surface water sampling sites from Coorg district of Karnataka state (Nisargadhama, Abbey falls, Bhagamandala and Talakaveri) and Wynad district of Kerala state (Irrity river and Pazhassi dam) of western ghats were carried out for 18 physico-chemical parameters and identification of fungi. The study showed that the biological variances in these six watercourses was largely controlled by physico-chemical (water quality) variables, notable are pH, temperature, turbidity, phosphate, calcium, conductivity and chloride. In two years of study period, Mg, COD and DO were found to be above permissible limits (ICMR, BIS, WHO standards). The concentration of turbidity, EC, COD and BOD were significantly higher in summer; pH in monsoon; and calcium, chloride, alkalinity and bicarbonate in winter seasons. TDS and DO ranged high in monsoon and winter seasons than in summer season as there was a significant irregular seasonal change. The richest samples of fungi viz., Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Penicillium crysogenum, P. citrinum, Trichoderma viridae, T. harzianum and Fusarium semitectum were collected from water areas with low or moderate temperature and comparatively high total organic matter and DO.