Exploration and determination of algal role as Bioindicator to evaluate water quality - Probing fresh water algae

Saeed Khalil; Mater H Mahnashi; Manzoor Hussain; Naheed Zafar; Waqar-Un-Nisa; Falak Sher Khan; Umara Afzal; Ghulam Mujtaba Shah; Usama Muhammad Niazi; Muhammad Awais; Muhammad Irfan

doi:10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.06.004

Exploration and determination of algal role as Bioindicator to evaluate water quality - Probing fresh water algae

Saudi J Biol Sci. 2021 Oct;28(10):5728-5737. doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.06.004. Epub 2021 Jun 10.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Department of Botany, Hazara University Mansehra, KPK, Pakistan.
² Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacy School, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia.
³ Department of Biological sciences, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan.
⁴ Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan.
⁵ Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Sialkot, Pakistan.
⁶ Department of Chemistry, Rawalpindi Women University, Satellite Town Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
⁷ Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, National Skills University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
⁸ Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Sialkot, Pakistan.
⁹ Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Najran University, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the algal floral diversity and its role to determine water quality.

Methods: The regular monthly collection of algal and water samples was made during 2018. Unicellular algae were preserved in 2 to 3% formalin while macroalgae in 4% formalin. Microphotographs of algae were taken at the biotechnological Lab of PCSIR Lahore, Pakistan. Palmer pollution index was used to determine water quality.

Results: The study identified 201 algal species distributed among 57 genera, 42 families, 25 orders, 10 classes and 7 divisions. The total score of Algal Genus Pollution Index of Banjosa Lake, Ali Sojal Dam, Dothan Dam, Drake Dam and Rawalakot Nullah (city) were 14, 9, 10, 18 and 25 respectively. It was revealed that Banjosa Lake has probable organic pollution, Ali Sojal Dam and Dothan Dam showed lack of organic pollution, Drake Dam indicated moderate pollution while Rawalakot Nullah (City) indicated confirm high organic pollution.

Conclusion: We strongly recommend the conservation and managed status of algal species for sustainable resource of algal- derived products in future. It was revealed that the water quality of Banjosa Lake, Drak Dam and Rawalakot Nullah was affected from anthropogenic activities and needs to be managed.

Keywords: 201 species; Algal diversity; Azad Kashmir; Bioindicators; Organic pollution; Pakistan.