Comparative Diversity of Microalgae in Cement Industry-Affected and Natural Aquatic Ecosystems
Keywords:
Microalgae, Cement Industry Pollution, Aquatic Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Cyanophyceae, Bioindicators, Water Quality.Abstract
Microalgae are important components of aquatic ecosystems and serve as sensitive indicators of environmental changes. The present study investigates the comparative diversity of microalgal communities in cement industry-affected water bodies and natural aquatic ecosystems. Water samples were collected from selected sites and analyzed for physico-chemical parameters and microalgal composition. The results revealed significant variations in species diversity and abundance between the two habitats. Natural aquatic ecosystems exhibited higher species richness and a balanced distribution of Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Cyanophyceae, and Euglenophyceae. In contrast, cement industry-affected sites showed reduced diversity and a greater dominance of pollution-tolerant cyanobacterial species. Elevated pH, conductivity, and nutrient levels in polluted habitats were found to influence microalgal community structure. The study highlights the ecological impact of cement industry activities on freshwater biodiversity and demonstrates the usefulness of microalgae as bioindicators for monitoring environmental health and assessing industrial pollution.
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