Periphyton Distribution in the Microhabitat of Ladhiya Stream Kumaon Himalayas, Uttaranchal

Abstract

In the present communication epilithic community structure in Ladhiya stream of Kuma on Himalayan region is described. The numerical abundance of various periphytic forms in relation to two microhabitats (rime and pool) was evaluated. The numerical abundance (cells/em') of periphyton was high in the shallow rime with coar;;e substrate and moderate water flow. In rime areas, abundance ranged between 0.09x 10. and 43.56x 10. cells/cm! whereas in pools it ranged from 0.5x 10. cells/em! to 1.2x 10. cells/em'. Bacillariophyceae. Chlorophyceae and Cyanophyceae comprised the components of the community of periphyton. Multiple regression equation showed that periphytic biomass (cells/em') is negatively correlated with the depth (r =-0.59, P <0.03) of the microhabitat and there was a non-significant negative correlation with'pH (r=-0.08) and water velocity (r =-0.06). The study highlights periphyton assemblage and distribution pattern in relation to pool and rime microhabitats of Ladhiya stream which is a potential stream in Kumaon Himalayas .