Studies on Diatom Ecology at Kengeri Lake

Abstract

Diatoms serve a crucial function in the food chain as a major contributor to primary productivity in the aquatic ecosystem. They are prevalent in aquatic habitats due to their pervasive nature. Diatoms are one of the most successful contemporary groups of photosynthetic eukaryotic microorganisms.  Diatoms are not just good prospects for biodiesel production. A thorough examination of their ecology is required in order to successfully use them for biodiesel production.  The state forest department developed Kengeri Lake in 1995. The epiphytic Diatom flora and water quality indicators in this lake were investigated. Water temperature (27.3±0.6°C), pH (7.2±0.11) and dissolved oxygen (1.8±0.21 mg/L) were the physico-chemical parameters measured during the investigation. At Kengeri Lake, diatom community structure research revealed six genera, with Navicula being the most abundant.