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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Phytoplankton diversity in selected area of the Indian Sundarbans
Authors
Mousumi Bandyopadhyay, Deepmala Pathak
Abstract
The present study
investigates the biodiversity and composition of phytoplankton in selected
areas of the Indian Sundarbans, one of the largest and most dynamic mangrove
ecosystems in the world. Water samples were collected from nine sampling
stations—Arampur, Birajnagar, Dayapur, Godkhali, Gosaba, Mazid Bari,
Pakhiralay, Sonagar and Sudhanyakhali — during the last week of December, 2025
using a conical nylon plankton net and preserved with 1% Lugol’s solution.
Qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out using standard
microscopic techniques. The phytoplankton community was represented mainly by
Bacillariophyceae (diatoms), Chlorophyceae (green algae), Cyanophyceae (blue
green algae) and Euglenophyceae with diatoms forming the dominant group across
most stations. Spatial variation in species composition and abundance was
observed among the sampling sites, likely influenced by differences in
salinity, nutrient availability, and freshwater influx. The present
investigation suggests that the Sundarbans estuarian waters support a diverse
and productive phytoplankton community, highlighting the ecological
significance of this environment. This study provides baseline information on
phytoplankton diversity in the Indian Sundarbans and also serve as a reference
for future environmental monitoring and conservation planning of this
vulnerable region.
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Pages:387-394
How to cite this article:
Mousumi Bandyopadhyay, Deepmala Pathak "Phytoplankton diversity in selected area of the Indian Sundarbans". International Journal of Botany Studies, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 387-394
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