Distributional pattern of algal/plankton groups in relation with water quality of Himalayan Dal lake, Kashmir, India

Present study deals with the general ecological studies on phytoplankton community in terms of species composition, abundance and distribution in the Himalayan Dal lake. Important physico-chemical parameters were also analyzed using the standard methodology. Pollution of water bodies due to human activities affects the physico-chemical characteristics of water, leading to changes in aquatic community structure and deterioration of the lake environment. A clear dominance of Bacillariophyceae followed by chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Euglenophyceae and Dinophyceae was observed throughout the study period. Phytoplankton serves as an indicator of trophic status and ecological condition of the lake. Many pollution tolerant algal species were present that are indicators of organic pollution, thus, making water unfit for drinking and recreational purposes.