Cyanobacteria

Blue green algae are also popularly known as Cyanobacteria with the prokaryotic structure and dominance of phycocyanin pigment that is responsible for bluish colour in them. They occupy a variety of habitats with a diverse range of organization. They are closely related to prokaryotic bacteria in evolution. Cyanobacteria are the only prokaryotes which have the ability to perform photosynthesis by evolving oxygen. Phytoplanktons are microscopic free floating plants which form the base of a food chain in aquatic ecosystem. These reproduce rapidly and are easily available. The aquatic ecosystems are dependent on these primary producers and are affected by the environmental conditions. To assess the changes in aquatic environment, they can be used for bioassessment of aquatic ecosystem. 8 genera of cyanobacteria were observed during the study period. Oscillatoria was found of more common occurrence in Chambal River.

Fly ash (FA), a by-product of coal combustion, can be used in improving the soil’s physical, chemical and biological properties. It is helpful in the nutrient enrichment in crops. Currently, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is being done at high levels to meet the growing demand for food according to the growing population. The use of synthetic chemical fertilizer is responsible for the pathological condition in human and animals. To overcome this problem, nowadays biofertilizer is being used instead of chemical fertilizer. Biofertilizer is supposed to be a safe alternative to chemical fertilizer to minimize the ecological disturbance. This review explores the possibility of using fly ash as a supplement to biofertilizer to improve the soil, environment and enhance the growth & yield of plants.

Chambal river is the only perennial river of Rajasthan which is used for drinking, irrigation and power generation. The river hosts excellent flora and fauna of which freshwater flora is of much importance because of its basic position in the food chain. Only few research reports are available on cyanobacteria of Chambal River in Rajasthan. In present scenario some more documentation of cyanobacterial biodiversity is required for further research.