First Identification of the Chlorophyte Algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (Korshikov) Hindák in Lake Waters of India

Abstract

The species Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata is a freshwater microalga belonging to Chlorophyceae. It is one of the best-known bioindicators in eco-toxicological research. It has been increasingly prevalent in many freshwater bodies worldwide. They have been since times used in many landmark toxicological analyses due to their ubiquitous nature and acute sensitivity to substances. During a survey of chlorophytes in effluent impacted lakes of Attibele region of Southern Bangalore, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata was identified from the samples collected from the Giddenahalli Lake as well as Zuzuvadi Lake. This is the first identification of this species in India. Analysis based on micromorphology confirmed the status of the organism to be Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata.