International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Akanksha S, Mamatha Hanagoudara, Chethana Shree B.K, Sudhama V. N.
Abstract: The two legendary ponds, Akka and Tangi, are located in Chitradurga Fort in Karnataka State. The study was aimed at knowing various physico-chemical characteristics and phytoplankton diversity in the ponds. The study was spread over a period of three months, from June to August 2024, to assess the quality of water. Qualitative and quantitative estimations of phytoplankton were considered when analyzing biological parameters. In the present study, pH (6.61-7.15 and 6.91-7.33), air temperature (20°C-28°C and 21°C-24°C), water temperature (21°C-24°C), and chloride (24.14-25.4 mg/L and 23.1-28.2 mg/L) were measured. Dissolved oxygen (6.8 mg/L and 8.8 mg/L), BOD values (1.49-1.63 mg/L and 1.34-1.56), calcium (118.7 mg/L to 126.5 mg/L and 120.1 mg/L to 139 mg/L), free CO₂ (1.2 mg/L-3 mg/L and 1.9 to 3.4), and magnesium (7.5-10.5 mg/L and 8.5-9.85) in Akka and Tangi ponds, respectively. Mainly six groups of phytoplankton were recorded; they are Cyanophyceae (03), Chlorophyceae (05), Bacillariophyceae (07), Xanthophyceae (01), Eustigmatophyceae (01), and Euglenophyceae (01). However, Bacillariophyceae is most prevalent in both the ponds. The results indicated a significant correlation between nutrient levels and phytoplankton growth; species diversity varied with seasonal changes, reflecting shifts in water quality.
