Enumeration of Freshwater Algae in Rasa Tal, Sunsari, Nepal

Abstract

Algae are aquatic plants that can-do photosynthesis and are found in freshwater environments. The primary goal of this study is to count all algae in Rasa Tal and identify the most common types. Twelve algal samples, two from each of the six algal sample collection sites at Rasa Tal, were randomly chosen and put in sample containers. For floating algae, plankton nets were used, while for other types of algae, submerged leaves and roots of aquatic macrophytes were squeezed. This study identified 52 algal species across 6 phyla, 8 classes, 17 orders, 26 families, and 31 genera. In terms of algal species, Rasa Tal's aquatic ecology is rich in freshwater algae, much like other freshwater bodies in eastern Nepal.