ALGAL DIVERSITY IN NARMADA AND TAPTI RIVERS IN INDIA : A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Abstract: Algae constitute the primary producers of freshwater ecosystems and are widely recognized as reliable bioindicators of water quality. The present comparative study evaluates the algal diversity of the Narmada and Tapti Rivers of central India by synthesizing published literature and ecological observations. Both rivers originate in the Satpura–Vindhyan region and support diverse aquatic flora despite increasing anthropogenic pressures. The review indicates that the Narmada River possesses comparatively higher algal diversity owing to its greater length, habitat heterogeneity, and relatively stable flow conditions. Chlorophyceae emerged as the dominant algal group in both rivers, followed by Bacillariophyceae, Cyanophyceae, and Euglenophyceae. Tapti River exhibits comparatively lower diversity because of industrial discharge, urban sewage, and fluctuating hydrological conditions in several stretches. The study highlights the ecological significance of algal communities in river health assessment and recommends continuous biomonitoring for sustainable river management. Published studies report more than 200 algal taxa from sections of the Narmada, whereas localized Tapti investigations commonly report 26–40 genera depending on sampling area and season. Keywords: Algae, Phytoplankton, Narmada River, Tapti River, Biodiversity, Chlorophyceae, Water Quality