15
SEASONAL VARIATION OF FRESH WATER BLUE GREEN ALGAE IN GOSSAIGAONSUBDIVISION UNDER KOKRAJHAR DISTRICT
Runuma Rabha Basumatary and Mautushi Das
Department of Botany
University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, India
Email: runumarabhabasumatary@gmail.com, moushg@gmail.com

How to cite this paper:
Basumatary,
RunumaRabha and Das, Mautushi(2021) Seasonal Variation
Of Fresh Water Blue Green
Algae
in
Gossaigaon
Subdivision
Under
Kokrajhar District, Journal of
Global Resources, Vol. 07
(02)
DOI:
10.46587/JGR.2021.v07i02.015

Abstract: The present studies were carried out of fresh waterBlue Green Algae or Cyanophyceae in
Gossaigaon
subdivision of Kokrajhar district during 2017-18 and a total
76 water samples were collected covering the four seasonsand 21 species were identified . All identified species were
heterocystous filamentous forms. The highest no of species
was found during monsoon followed by post monsoon , premonsoon and winter respectively. It was determining thephysicochemical characteristics of water. Beside this theiroccurrence, diversity and distribution in different seasons
were interpreted with physico-chemical properties of water.
Keywords: Cyanophyceae, Diversity, Fresh water,
Rivulariaceae, Seasonal Variation

Received: 18 April 2021
Reviewed: 25 May 2021
Revised: 04 June 2021
Final Accepted: 06 June 2021

Freely available Online
www.isdesr.org

Journal of Global Resources, July 2021, Volume 07 (02) Runuma R. Basumataryand and Mautushi Das Page 148 | 7

Introduction
Blue green algae (Cyanobacteria or Cyanophyceae) are autotrophic simple colonizing microorganisms which are present throughout the world. These microorganisms are cosmopolitan
and well adapted to any environment(Singh,2014). The low ratio of N-P favours the formationof bloom of cyanobacteria. They are ubiquitous and found in clean as well as polluted water(Kumar and Singh,1982) including crop lands (Peoples et al.,1995). They produced oxygenand have the capability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Thus, they increase the productivity rateof crop plants. They are simple but ecologically important as primary producer. Rivulariaceae
is one of the families of Cyanophyceae. The members of the family are heterocystous at thebase and filaments tapered from the base which is wider to narrower at the tip. They formcolonies by aggregation of hormogonia. The group as a whole occurs in environments withhighly variable Potassium concentration. Nitrogen fixation in Rivulariaceae is highest whenPotassium content is high. There are some workers (Barman, Deka, andBarma,2015;Nath,2012; Paul and Rout,2016; Gurumayum and Senapati, 2017; Dihingia, andBaruah, 2017; Sarma, and Rout, 2017 ) who have studied on these algae in various districtsof Assam. But in lower Assam, Kokrajhar is one the district where it is still neglected of studyingin this field.
Materials and Methods
The present study was carried out in Gossaigaon sub division under Kokrajhar district.
Phytogeographically the study area has a total of 1287.70 km geographical area. It is situatedat the latitude of 26.43710 N and longitude of 89.97670 E. The maximum average temperatureof the area is 30.18°C and minimum is 18.94°C. The average rainfall is 297.93 mm. The algal
samples were collected from the all kinds of water like polluted and non-polluted water during
the year 2017 to 2018 covering three different sampling stations in the area of present study.
The sampling stations were Saraibil (Station-1), Gossaigaon (Station-2) and Grahampur(Station-3).
i. Collection, Identification and Preservation of the Samples
The field collection was made randomly from all aquatic environments covering all the four
seasons i.e., pre-monsoon, monsoon, re-treating monsoon and winter ( Barthakur,1986) inthree different sampling stations of Gossaigaon sub-division of Kokrjhar district (BTAD),
Assam. The samples were collected in to a properly labeled vials with habitat water to its 1/3
capacity and not down the occurrence and distribution of species and other distinguishing
characters. The collected specimens were directly carried to the laboratory and observed incompound microscope as early as possible. The species were identified following themonograph of Desikachary (1959) and Anand (1989) and rest of the specimens preservedwith 4 percent formalin for further use.
ii. Physico-Chemical Properties of Water
The physico-chemical properties of water were estimated according to the procedure of APHA
(2005). The temperature and pH were determined by using thermometer and digital pH meterat the spot. The other parameters like-phosphate, potassium and available nitrogen, BOD, DO,
COD were estimated according to procedure in APHA (2005).
iii. Measures of Seasonal Diversity
Species diversity of the members of Rvulariaceae in the study area were subjected to diversity
analysis using different indices like Shannon-Weiner index (H) after Shannon-Weiner (1949);
Simpson Dominance index (D); Simpson index of diversity (1- D) (Simpson, 1949); Pielous
Evenness (Pielou, 1966).

Journal of Global Resources, July 2021, Volume 07 (02) Runuma R. Basumataryand and Mautushi Das Page 149 | 7

Shannon-Weiner index (H/)
H = - Σ Pi log2 Pi
Where,
H = Shannon-Weiner index
Pi = ni/NΣ = Sumni = Number of individuals of each species in the sample.
N = Total number of individuals of all species in the sample.
Simpson’s Diversity Indices
Simpson’s diversity index is a measure of diversity. It takes into account the number of species
present, as well as the abundance of each species.
a. Simpson’s index of dominance (D)D = Σ [ni (ni – 1) / N (N – 1)]
Where,
ni = The total number of individuals of a particular species.
N = the total number of individuals of all species.
b. Simpson’s index of diversity (1-D):
From D Simpson’s Diversity Index, 1 – D, is calculated.
Pielou’s Evenness (E)J = H / log2 S
Where,‘H’ is the Shannon Weiner index and ‘S’ is the number of species
iv. Statistical Analysis
All the statistical analysis was calculated using software Microsoft Excel 2010 and different
diversity indices were estimated using software program PAST3.
Results and Discussion
The total of 21 species of Cyanophyceae of the family Rivulariaceae belonging to 4 genera
were collected and identified from 76 samples. The identified species are listed in the table 1
below. From the table, it was evident that maximum occurrence of species was in the genus
Calothrix (11 species) followed by Gloeotrichia (7 species), Rivularia (3 species) and Dichothrix(1 species).
Table 01: List of Identified Species of the Family Rivulariaceae
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Name of species
Calothrix brevissima
Calothrix brevissima var. moniliforme
Calothrix elenkinii
Calothrix fusca
Calothrix gloecola
Calothrix marchica
Calothrix membranacea
Calothrix parietina
Calothrix scytonemicola
Calothrix wembraerensis
Dichothrix gypsophila

#
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

Name of species
Gloeotrichia echinulata
Gloeotrichia ghosei
Gloeotrichia intermedia
Gloeotrichia longicauda
Gloeotrichia natans
Gloeotrichia pisum
Gloeotrichia raciborskii
Rivularia aquatica
Rivularia beccariana
Rivularia globiceps

Relative Abundance
During the study period Rivularia globiceps was most abundant (table-2a) over others collectedfrom the station-1 (Saraibil) while Gloeotrichia longicauda was found to be least abundant of
the others. Similarly, Calothrix membranacea, Rivularia aquatic and Gloeotrichia ghosei were
found most abundant in the study station-2 (Gossaigaon) while Calothrix elenkinii, Gloeotrichia
Journal of Global Resources, July 2021, Volume 07 (02) Runuma R. Basumataryand and Mautushi Das Page 150 | 7

natans and Gloeotrichia raciborskii were found least abundant in study station-2. In study
station-3 (Grahampur), Calothrix membranacea was reported to be most abundant over others
and Calothrix wembraerensis was found least abundant during the study period.
Table 02(a): Seasonal Variation of Rivulariaceae in Station-1 (Saraibil)
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Name of species
Calothrix scytonemicola
Calothrix brevissima
Calothrix gloecola
Rivularia aquatica
Rivularia globiceps
Rivularia beccariana
Gloeotrichia longicauda

PM
0
3
1
2
0
2
0

M
1
0
0
1
4
1
0

RM
2
1
2
2
0
0
1

W
0
1
0
0
2
1
0

Total
3
5
3
5
6
4
1

RA (%)
11.11
18.51
11.11
18.51
22.22
14.81
03.70

PM= Pre-Monsoon; M= Monsoon; RM= Retreating Monsoon; W= Winter; RA= Relative Abundance

Table 02(b): Seasonal Variation of Rivulariaceae in Station-2 (Gossaigaon)
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Name of species

PM

M

RM

W

Total

RA (%)

Calothrix brevissima
Calothrix elenkinii
Calothrix fusca
Calothrix membranacea
Calothrix periatina
Dichothrix gypsophila
Rivularia aquatica
Gloeotrichia echinulata
Gloeotrichia ghosei
Gloeotrichia intermedia
Gloeotrichia natans
Gloeotrichia raciborskii

0
1
0
1
1
0
1
0
3
0
0
2

0
0
3
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
1
0

1
0
1
0
1
1
1
0
2
2
0
0

1
0
0
3
1
0
2
2
0
0
0
1

2
1
4
5
3
1
5
2
5
3
1
1

6.06
3.03
12.12
15.15
9.09
6.06
15.15
6.06
15.15
9.09
3.03
3.03

PM= Pre-Monsoon; M= Monsoon; RM= Retreating Monsoon; W= Winter; RA= Relative Abundance

Table 02(c): Seasonal Variation of Rivulariaceae in Station-3 (Grahampur)
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Name of species
Calothrix brevissima var.moniliforme
Calothrix marchica
Calothrix membranacea
Calothrix parietina
Calothrix scytonemicola
Calothrix wembraerensis
Rivularia aquatica
Gloeotrichia natans
Gloeotrichia pisum

PM
1
0
6
0
1
0
1
0
1

M
0
1
0
2
0
0
2
4
1

RM
3
1
1
0
1
0
1
1
2

W
1
0
0
1
3
1
2
0
0

Total
5
2
7
3
5
1
6
5
4

RA (%)
13.15
5.26
18.42
7.89
13.15
2.63
15.78
13.15
10.52

PM= Pre-Monsoon; M= Monsoon; RM= Retreating Monsoon; W= Winter; RA= Relative AbundanceSpecies Richness, Abundance and Diversity IndicesSpecies richness, relative abundance and diversity of a particular area directly correlated withthe environmental features of that area. As these parameters fluctuate throughout the year
and seasonal variation is also observed in species richness, relative abundance and diversity.
During the study period seasonal as well as spatial variation in species richness, abundanceand diversity were observed in the study area. All the results have been discussed below.
i. Station-1 (Saraibil)
During the study period, species abundance was ranged between 04 and 08, minimum during
winter and maximum in pre-monsoon and retreating monsoon. Species richness was ranged
between 03 and 05, minimum during winter season and maximum in retreating monsoon
Journal of Global Resources, July 2021, Volume 07 (02) Runuma R. Basumataryand and Mautushi Das Page 151 | 7

season. Shannon-Weiner index (H) was ranged between 1.04 and 1.56 minimum during winterand maximum in retreating monsoon. Simpson’s index of dominance (D) was ranged between
0.21 and 0.38 minimum during retreating monsoon and maximum in monsoon seasons.
Simpson’s index of diversity was ranged between 0.61 and 0.78, maximum during retreating
monsoon and minimum in monsoon seasons. Evenness (E) was ranged between 0.79 and0.95 minimum during monsoon and maximum in retreating monsoon season.
ii. Study Station-2 (Gossaigaon)
In Study Station-2 (Gossaigaon) species abundance was ranged between 07 and 10, minimum
during monsoon and maximum in winter. Species richness was ranged between 05 and 07
minimum during monsoon and maximum in retreating monsoon season. Shannon-Weiner
index (H) was ranged between 1.47 and 1.88, minimum during monsoon and maximum inretreating monsoon. Simpson’s index of dominance (D) was ranged between 0.16 and 0.26
minimum during retreating monsoon and maximum in monsoon season. Simpson’s index ofdiversity was ranged between 0.73 and 0.83, maximum during retreating monsoon andminimum during monsoon. Evenness (E) was ranged between 0.87 and 0.94, minimum during
monsoon and maximum in retreating monsoon and winter seasons.
iii. Study Station-3 (Grahampur)
During the study period, species abundance was ranged between 08 and 10, minimum during
winter and maximum during rest of the seasons. Species richness was ranged between 05
and 07 maximum during retreating monsoon and minimum during rest of the seasons.
Shannon-Weiner index (H) was ranged between 1.22 and 1.83, minimum during pre-monsoon
and maximum in retreating monsoon. Simpson’s index of dominance (D) was ranged between
0.18 and 0.40, minimum during retreating monsoon and maximum in pre-monsoon season.
Simpson’s index of diversity was ranged between 0.60 and 0.82, minimum during premonsoon and maximum in retreating monsoon season. Evenness (E) was ranged between
0.68and 0.89 minimum during pre-monsoon and maximum during retreating monsoon andwinter seasons.
Table 03: Station wise Diversity Indices of Rivulariaceae

Seasons

PM

Mn

RM

Wn

Stations

1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3

No. ofspecies(Richness)
04
06
05
04
05
05
05
07
07
03
06
05

No. ofIndividuals(N)(Species
Abundance)
08
09
10
07
07
10
08
09
10
04
10
8

Diversity Indices
Simpson’s Diversity
Species
Indices
Diversity
Simpson’s
Simpson’s(H)
Dominance
Diversity
Shannon_H
(D)
(1-D)
1.32
0.28
0.71
1.67
0.20
0.79
1.22
0.40
0.60
1.15
0.38
0.61
1.47
0.26
0.73
1.47
0.26
0.74
1.56
0.21
0.78
1.88
0.16
0.83
1.83
0.18
0.82
1.04
0.37
0.62
1.69
0.20
0.80
1.49
0.25
0.75

Evenness
(E)
0.93
0.89
0.68
0.79
0.87
0.87
0.95
0.94
0.89
0.94
0.94
0.89

PM=Pre-monsoon, Mn= Monsoon, RM= Retreating monsoon, Wn= winter; 1= Saraibil, 2= Gossaigaon, 3= Grahampur

Water Quality
Results on the analysis of different chemical parameters of aquatic habitat of Rivulariaceae
have been depicted in the table-3 below. Station wise measure on average PH shows that PH
of aquatic habitat ranged between 6.67±0.93 and 6.75±0.36, minimum in station-3(Grahampur) and maximum in station-1(Saraibil) during entire period of study. During the study
Journal of Global Resources, July 2021, Volume 07 (02) Runuma R. Basumataryand and Mautushi Das Page 152 | 7

period average Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) of the study stations ranged between
4.81±1.12 and 6.36±1.77, minimum in station-1 (Saraibil) and maximum in station-2(Gossaigaon). Aerobic decomposition of any organic matter is carrying out by microorganism(Jain et al.,1997). It was observed that high BOD was found in station 2 , which is a semi urban
area and found rich in organic matter as municipal and domestic waste water, forest andagricultural litters are drained off to this habitat due to heavy rainfall. Chemical Oxygen
Demand (COD) content ranged between 12.76±2.36 and 16.95±2.70, minimum in station-3(Grahampur) and maximum in station-2 (Gossaigaon).
Water Parameters
BOD
COD
DO
NitratePH(mg/l)(mg/l)(mg/l)(mg/l)
1
6.75±0.36 4.81±1.12 14.71±3.63 5.05±0.83 4.35±0.71
26.70±0.52 6.36±1.77 16.95±2.70 7.00±2.09 5.06±1.2136.67±0.93 5.03±1.24 12.76±2.36 7.35±2.09 5.05±1.82
1= Saraibil; 2= Gossaigaon; 3= Grahampur
Stations

Phosphate(mg/l)
1.63±0.45
1.26±0.12
1.61±0.36

Potassium(mg/l)
5.41±0.73
6.63±1.12
7.16±1.80

The average Dissolved Oxygen (DO) content of the aquatic habitat ranged between
5.05±0.83 and 7.35±2.09, minimum in station-1 (Saraibil) and maximum in station-3(Grahampur). The average nitrate content of the water bodies of the study area ranged
between 4.35±0.71 and 5.06±1.21 during the study period, minimum in station-1 (Saraibil) andmaximum in station-2 (Gossaigaon). The average phosphate content ranged between
1.26±0.12 and 1.63±0.45 during the study period, minimum in station-2 (Gossaigaon) andmaximum in station-1 (Saraibil). The average potassium content of the blue green algal habitatof the study area ranged between 5.41±0.73 and 7.16±1.80 during the study period, minimum
in station-1 (Saraibil) and maximum in station-3 (Grahampur).
PHOTOGRAPHIC PLATE
1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

10

5

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Figures.1) Calothrix brevissima West, G.S., 2)Calothrix brevissima var. moniliforme Ghose orth. Mut.,3) Calothrix elenkinii
Kossinskaja.,4) Calothrix
fusca (Kütz.) Bornet et Flahault.5) Calothrix
gloeocola Skuja.,6) Calothrix
marchica
Lemmermann.,7)Calothrix membranacea Schmidle.,8)Calothrix parietina Thuret ex Born .et Flah.,9)Calothrix scytonemicola
Tilden.10) Dichothrix gypsophila (Kütz.) Born . et Flah.11) Gloeotrichia echinulata (j.e.)Smith P. Richter.,12) Gloeotrichia ghosei
Singh, R.N.,13) Calothrix wembaerensis Hieron . et Schmidle.,14) Gloeotrichia intermedia var. kanwaensis Rao, C. B., 15)
Gloeotrichia longicauda Schmidle.,16) Gloeotrichia natan Rabenhorst ex Born. et Flah.17) Gloeotrichia pisum Thuret ex Born.
et Flah. 18) Gloeotrichia raciborskii var longispora Rao, C.B.,19) Rivularia aquatica De Wilde.,20) Rivularia beccariana (De Not)
Born. Et Flah.21) Rivularia globiceps West, G.S.,

Journal of Global Resources, July 2021, Volume 07 (02) Runuma R. Basumataryand and Mautushi Das Page 153 | 7

Conclusion
The water bodies are the principal habitats for the blue green algae in this area and are rich inorganic matter as most of the forest and agricultural litters are drained off to these habitats dueto heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. The PH ranges of the present study area areslightly basic which, perhaps, favours the growth and development of most of the species. pH
is an important factor which are determining the productivity in any ecosystem(Singh etal.,2009). Occurrence and distribution of the Cyanophyceae is related to the organic matterand PH of the habitat in which they grow. The change of population of Cyanophyceae in thepresent study may be due to the water availability, temperature( )and light intensity ( ) which
are important factors to the growth of cyanobacteria.
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