Studies on some Physico-Chemical Parameters of Cyanophycean Members and Correlation Coefficient of Eutrophic Ponds in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The present study deals with the statistical analysis of physico-chemical parameters and cyanophycean members of two pond water quality of Chidambaram, Cuddalore district (Tamil Nadu). The qualities of pond water were analyzed for six months. Eleven important parameters were included in statistical analysis. The qualities of pond water have been assessed by calculating mean, standard deviation and correlation coefficient. Correlation studies of hydrobiology with physico-chemical parameters revealed that the relationship between phytoplankton density in general and that of the specific groups are highly complex and often controlled by interactions of different factors. In the both pond water the correlation coefficient test revealed that cyanophycean members positively correlated with temperature, pH, CO 2 , alkalinity, hardness, nitrate, BOD and COD at 1 % and 5 % level significant, where as it is negatively correlated with acidity and dissolved oxygen. In the present study it can be concluded that the cyanophycean members are highly tolerant organisms. They prefer to grow at higher temperatures and in highly alkaline, BOD and COD waters. Hence they can with stand high levels of contaminated waters of Thillai Kali Kovil pond, when compared to Ilamiyakkinar Kovil pond.

Environmental Perspectives of Pond Ecosystems: Global Issues, Services and Indian Scenarios

“…The presence of potentially toxic genera (hepatotoxins producing) of Oscillatoria and Microcystis in the ponds emerged as a basic cause of concern. Elayaraj and Selvaraju 43 reported considerably high BOD levels (6.02-9.7 mg/l) and noticeably significant concentration of phosphate (0.57-1.03 mg/l) in eutrophic Chidambaram ponds, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. The overall results indicated substantial nutrient enrichment and organic load from organic and sewage waste in pond ecosystems.…”

“…This in association with high degree of contamination will result in excessive eutrophication of water bodies. Massive bloom of some cyanophycean members in eutrophic ponds 43 can lead to low diversity of other organisms, including other members of the cyanophycean group, in pond ecosystems. Recently, Elayaraj and Selvaraju 43 have attributed low diversity of cyanobacteria in pond ecosystems due to massive bloom of Microcystis aeruginosa in eutrophic ponds.…”