Bacterial, Fungal and Algal Population of Pennar River: A Fresh Water Wetland in Kottayam District, Kerala

Abstract

A short term, baseline study was undertaken to determine the occurrence of microbial pollution in the Pennar river. Four stations were selected for study on the basis of land use pattern. Bacteriological, fungal and algal examinations were made and the results obtained showed that 8 species of bacteria isolated were opportunistic pathogens and total coliform count ranged from 460-2400/100 mL, thus making the water unsafe to drink unless treated properly. Fecal pollution from non human and human source is one of the major factors that contribute to the degradation of water quality and that restrict its use. Four fungal species were identified which are also opportunistic pathogens. In the present study about 36 different genera comprising 61 species of algae were idetified. High pollution tolerant species like Scenedesmus. Coelastrum, Oscillatoria, Nitzchia paella, Ankistrodesmus, Anabaena, Synedra and Navicula were present in different sites of Pennar river especially in the site I which is highly populated. High socioanthropological activities, clogging of water body due to weeds and agricultural practices in the basins were identified as a contributory factors to the situation.