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Study of Navicula Diatoms at Rishikesh Barrage |
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| Paper Id :
19478 Submission Date :
2024-11-09 Acceptance Date :
2024-11-21 Publication Date :
2024-11-25
This is an open-access research paper/article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. DOI:10.5281/zenodo.14472731 For verification of this paper, please visit on
http://www.socialresearchfoundation.com/innovation.php#8
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| Abstract |
This research paper focuses
on the diversity, distribution, and ecological significance of Navicula diatoms
found in water samples collected from Rishikesh Barrage in Uttarakhand. The
study aims to understand the silica structure, environmental adaptability, and
their utility as bioindicators. Using nitric acid digestion and scanning
electron microscopy (SEM) techniques, 12 species, including Navicula
pelliculosa and Navicula radiosa , were identified. This study highlights the
crucial role these species play in water quality monitoring and maintaining
environmental stability. |
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| Keywords | Navicula Diatoms, Microscopic Algae, Frustules. | ||||||
| Introduction | Diatoms and Their Importance Diatoms are microscopic algae famous for their silica-based cell walls (frustules). They function as primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, contributing to the carbon cycle and nutrient flow. Due to their rapid growth and adaptability, they are highly sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, making them excellent indicators of water quality. |
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| Objective of study | The primary objectives of this study are:
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| Review of Literature | Introduction to Navicula The genus Navicula is known for its boat-shaped cell structure and complex silica designs. These diatoms are found in both freshwater and saline environments. Due to their environmental adaptability and bioindicator properties, they are commonly used in research to assess water quality and ecological health. |
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| Methodology | Introduction to Navicula The genus Navicula is known for its boat-shaped cell structure and complex silica designs. These diatoms are found in both freshwater and saline environments. Due to their environmental adaptability and bioindicator properties, they are commonly used in research to assess water quality and ecological health. |
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| Result and Discussion |
Species Identification A total of 12 Navicula species were identified during this study. Among them, Navicula pelliculosa and Navicula radiosa were the most prominent species found in the upper sections, indicative of cleaner water conditions.
Species Distribution Upper Barrage: Cleaner water species (N. pelliculosa and N. radiosa) were found in abundance. Middle Barrage: A balanced distribution of species was found, suggesting moderate water quality. Lower Barrage: Pollution-tolerant species (N. subminuscula and N. cryptocephaloides) dominated this section, indicating higher pollution levels. SEM Observations The SEM images provided clear views of the complex silica structure of Navicula diatoms. The frustules were found to have fine pores and parallel lines, which are characteristic features of the genus.
Interpretation of Results The distribution of Navicula species at Rishikesh Barrage reflects the varying levels of pollution and nutrient availability across the different sections. The upper barrage, with its lower pollution levels, supports species that thrive in cleaner water, while the lower barrage, which is more polluted, is dominated by species that can tolerate higher levels of contaminants. Comparison with Previous Studies Previous studies by Patrick and Reimer (1975) confirmed that Navicula species serve as reliable ecological indicators of water quality. This study further emphasizes the sensitivity of Navicula pelliculosa to pollution, highlighting its potential as an indicator species. Ecological Impact Navicula diatoms play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of aquatic ecosystems. Their presence or absence can offer valuable insights into the health of the water body, influencing decisions related to water quality management and environmental conservation. Applications and Significance 1. Water Quality Monitoring: Navicula diatoms, due to their sensitivity to environmental changes, can be used as bioindicators for water quality monitoring. They provide an efficient, cost-effective method for assessing pollution levels and the ecological health of aquatic ecosystems. 2. Future Research: Future studies could explore the genomic responses of Navicula species to changes in climate, pollution, and other environmental stressors. Understanding these responses could enhance our ability to predict ecological shifts and mitigate environmental damage. |
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| Conclusion |
This study demonstrates the
environmental significance of Navicula diatoms in water quality monitoring. The
species observed in Rishikesh Barrage offer valuable information about the
ecological health of the water body, making them crucial for maintaining
environmental stability. As human activities continue to impact water quality,
Navicula species will play an increasingly important role in ecological
research and water management. |
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| References |
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