The Microalgal Identification and Habitat Analysis of Selected Spots of Swat, Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigates the taxonomic classification of algae, bacteriological analysis of water and physicochemical parameters across different areas. There are 25 algal genera and 64 species, reflecting high ecological diversity. The Zygnemaceae family is the most represented, with 12% of genera and 29.03% of species, followed by Desmidiaceae and Bacillariaceae, with each accounting for 12% of genera, and 11.29% and 4.84% of species, respectively. Bacteriological examination exhibited high microbial pollution. Haibat Gram water had most probable number 2.2 for every 100 milliliters of coliform bacteria, against World Health Organization standards (0 most probable number per 100 milliliters). Jalala water contained 140 colony-forming units per milliliter (World Health Organization standard: 50 colony-forming units per milliliter), with most probable number of coliforms at 3.6 per 100 milliliters and 2.2 most probable number per 100 milliliters of fecal coliforms. Gat Koto water contained 126 colony-forming units per milliliter and most probable number 2.8 per 100 milliliters, exceeding World Health Organization standards (0.2 most probable number per 100 milliliters). Physicochemical analysis revealed low turbidity in Haibat Gram water (total suspended solids: 5.33 milligrams per liter), with total dissolved solids: 141.67 milligrams per liter and biochemical oxygen demand: 3.20 milligrams per liter. Jalala water had the same trends (total suspended solids: 3.33 milligrams per liter, total dissolved solids: 144.33 milligrams per liter, biochemical oxygen demand: 6.20 milligrams per liter). Conductivity levels revealed freshwater suitability. These results reiterate the influence of microbial pollution on water quality, consistent with larger environmental stress physiology issues. They emphasize that more stringent water treatment measures should be implemented to suppress contamination threats.