Abstract

Physico-chemical characteristics of Surajkund water body in Varanasi (UP) were monitored. High levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and sodium (Na) indicated that pond was eutrophic. However, contrast to nitrate, ammonia-nitrogen was high in summer and low in winter. The high concentrations of sodium in summer stimulated uptake and transport of CO2 and HCO3 at high pH. Highly significant correlation was observed among studied traits. NO3 exhibited significant negative relation with all traits, though the magnitude varied from NO2 to NH4. More over positive correlation observed among traits only exception was NO3. Calcium, Potassium, Sodium etc showed significant positive correlation with other traits except NO3. Positive correlation maintained by NO2 with other traits where negative value with NO3. Surajkund Microcystisaeruginosa was dominant plankton in the month of December January and February. Spirulina sp. was found along with the population of Oscillatoria and Chlamydomonas in April, May and June. After 15 days of growth, protein, dry weight, carbohydrate, chlorophyll and carotenoids were estimated for Spirulina platensis.