Limnological Assessment of Physicochemical Parameters and Phytoplankton Composition in Chamera Lake, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Lake ecosystem is an example of lentic ecosystems in which interlinkage between biotic factors (microorganisms, plants and animals) and abiotic factors (physicochemical parameters) takes place. The present research was to determine the physicochemical properties and community of phytoplankton in Chamera lake (Himachal Pradesh). Phytoplankton plays an important role in the aquatic food chain particularly for zooplanktons. Water samples were collected from Chamera lake from July 2024 to June 2025. Temperature, Sodium, Potassium, Phosphate, free CO2, Acidity, Nitrate, pH, Conductivity, Chlorides, Total Hardness, BOD, DO, Alkalinity all fourteen parameters were analyzed. During the current study investigation fourteen species of phytoplankton were recorded, Bacillariophyceae (seven species), Chlorophyceae (four species), Cyanophyceae (three species). From the present investigation, Species wise most dominant group was observed Bacillariophyceae followed by Chlorophyceae. Palmer’s algal pollution index value varied between 4.00 and 29.00 from bottom to top. Occasionally analyzing phytoplankton communities can help us comprehend the health of aquatic system and effects of environmental change.