Mautushi Das, Sheikh Runima Begum, Marchia K. Sangma and Monalisa Bora Deka
Abstract
This study investigates the productivity and cell count of Microcystis aeruginosa and the Physico-chemical properties of Dighalipukhuri Lake, a rectangular man-made pond in Guwahati. The research provides a comprehensive overview of algal growth, its concentration, and its correlation with the lakeâs physical and chemical attributes. Water samples were analyzed following APHA (2005) protocols. Results indicated an alkaline pH, which promotes cyanobacterial blooms, and consistently low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels across all seasons, likely due to surface cyanobacterial proliferation. The lakeâs conditions-low water flow, stagnant environment, good light penetration, and abundant nutrients (particularly nitrogen and phosphorus)-are conducive to algal bloom development. The study highlights those blue - green algae blooms can severely deteriorate water quality and produce toxins. It was observed that varying pH levels significantly affect algal growth. Maintaining the lakeâs pH at neutral levels could potentially reduce algal bloom growth and mitigate water quality degradation, thereby improving the overall health of Dighalipukhuri Lake.