Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

Phytoplankton in Irrigation and Draining Water Canals of East Nile Delta of Egypt

Said M. Badr El-Din, Abdel Hafez S. Hamed, Ahmed N. Ibrahim, Abdel-Khalik M. Shatta & Salah A. Abo-Sedera

Phytoplankton in water of River Nile, Ismailia canal and Belbase drain of East Nile Delta of Egypt was studied. The algal counts and biomass in water of River Nile and Ismailia canal ranged from 106 to 107 L-1 and 1 to 62 mg L-1 with highest peaks during warm seasons (May to November). The drainage water contained relatively low densities of algae and biomass as compared with irrigation water could be related to the higher salt content of the drainage water. The phytoplankton was found belonging to three major groups, namely Chlorophyta (green algae), Cyanophyta (blue green algae) and Bacillariophyta (diatoms). Diatoms represent the most dominant group (44 to 95% of total algae) followed by blue green algae (6 to 36% of total algae) in both irrigation and drainage water. Green algae represent the low percentage group (1 to 30%) of the total algae. Eudorina, Pediastrum, Actinastrum were the most dominant genera of green algae. Anabaena was the most abundant genera of blue green algae. While, the predominant genera of diatoms were Melosira, Bacillaria and Synedra.

Published Date: 2015-02-17;