Identification and Characterization of Freshwater algae in the Eastern Province Sri Lanka

Abstract

Freshwater algae are essential components of aquatic ecosystems, providing primary production, nutrient cycling, and water qualrty maintenance. Nevertheless, their diversity and ecological importance in Sri Lankan freshwater habitats are not adequately investigated. The present research centers on the identification and characteization of freshwater algae from the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka with the goal of filling the knowledge gap in algal taxonomy and distribution. The samples were gathered from different sources of freshwater such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs with the help of regular sampling procedures. Morphological and microscopic studies were performed for identiffing and grouping the algae based on their structure. Environmental parameters like pH, temperature, and nutrient levels were also quantified to determine their effect on the distribution of algae. A total of 25 freshwater algal species were found, belonging to major taxonomic groups of Chlorophyta, Bacillariophyta Cyanophyta" and Euglenophyta. Chlorophyta was the most dominant, followed by Bacillariophyta indicating favorable environmental conditions for green algae growth. The study established a shong correlation between the algal diversity and water quatity parameters, enhancing the prospects of certain species as bioindicators of aquatic ecosystem health. Some species had the potential for bloom formation, which could be ofrelevance in the management of water resources. Findings of this study would be immensely useful to understand diversity and ecological function of freshwater algae in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. It would also serve as a baseline for ecological survey, conservation, and sustainable utilization ofwater resources in the future in the province. Future studies using molecular methods tue recommended for species identification, functional roles in freshwater ecosystems, and their maintenance.