Abstract:
Freshwater algae are essential components of aquatic ecosystems, providing primary
production, nutrient cycling, and water qualrty maintenance. Nevertheless, their diversity
and ecological importance in Sri Lankan freshwater habitats are not adequately
investigated. The present research centers on the identification and characteization of
freshwater algae from the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka with the goal of filling the
knowledge gap in algal taxonomy and distribution. The samples were gathered from
different sources of freshwater such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs with the help of regular
sampling procedures. Morphological and microscopic studies were performed for
identiffing and grouping the algae based on their structure. Environmental parameters like
pH, temperature, and nutrient levels were also quantified to determine their effect on the
distribution of algae.
A total of 25 freshwater algal species were found, belonging to major taxonomic groups of
Chlorophyta, Bacillariophyta Cyanophyta" and Euglenophyta. Chlorophyta was the most
dominant, followed by Bacillariophyta indicating favorable environmental conditions for
green algae growth. The study established a shong correlation between the algal diversity
and water quatity parameters, enhancing the prospects of certain species as bioindicators
of aquatic ecosystem health. Some species had the potential for bloom formation, which
could be ofrelevance in the management of water resources.
Findings of this study would be immensely useful to understand diversity and ecological
function of freshwater algae in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. It would also serve as a
baseline for ecological survey, conservation, and sustainable utilization ofwater resources
in the future in the province. Future studies using molecular methods tue recommended for
species identification, functional roles in freshwater ecosystems, and their maintenance.
