Deciphering the microalgal diversity and water quality assessment of two urban temple ponds in Pondicherry, India

Microalgae are rapidly gaining prominence as feedstock for biofuels and came in limelight as source of third generation liquid fuel. Selection of microalgae for biotechnological applications can be done only evaluating their occurrence and diversity in different habitats and environmental conditions. Microalgae dwell abundantly in rivers, lakes, tanks, ponds, other fresh and marine water environments or habitats. The diversity profile of microalgae indicates the anthropogenic activity in water bodies and extent of pollution. Commonly ponds are freshwater habitats classified under lentic ecosystem and among them temple ponds are more prone to human activity. So, there are more chances of finding or documenting large and diverse group of microalgae in temple ponds. The present study is an attempt to document microalgal diversity in two urban stagnant temple tanks located in Puducherry, India. Sample collection was performed in Sri Vedapureswarar temple and Sri Varadaraja Perumal temple ponds, Puducherry, India. A total of 70 species from 39 genera of microalgae were identified in the study. The diversity index showed that Chlorophyceae (Green Algae) members were dominant followed by Cyanophyceae (Cyanobacteria) and Bacillariophyceae (diatoms). Analysis of physico-chemical parameters revealed the presence of higher concentrations of certain macro and micronutrients and heavy metals in the temple tank. Occurrence of diverse algal forms in this water indicates they are tolerant to the varied physicochemical conditions prevailing in the temple ponds. Further, systematic study of microalgae collected from the temple ponds will provide information on their suitability for various applications like renewable energy, bioremediation and industrial applications.