Morpho-anatomical characterization of some members of euglenophycota (algae) of north-east Punjab, Pakistan based on light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

The study was carried out in four districts, that is, Gujranwala, Gujarat, Narowal and Sialkot of Punjab, Pakistan. The sampling was carried out randomly in different seasons from the water bodies especially from wastewater. Twenty-one species belonging to Euglenophycota were identified using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy from which 04 species belong to genus Phacus, 02 species belonging to Trachelomonas and Euglena based on light microscopy. It was observed that Euglena was the most diverse genus and it is supposed to be the indicator species of the polluted water. It was observed that E. oblonga was found in maximum pH range, that is, 7.0-11.0. Similarly, E. brevicaudatus was found in maximum EC, that is, 169 +/- 1.5 ms/cm these outcomes indicated that for internal examination along with LM, SEM was necessary for correct identification of algal sample up to specie level.

Automated summary

The study conducted in Punjab, Pakistan identified 21 species of Euglenophycota, with Euglena being the most diverse genus and considered as an indicator species of polluted water. Specifically, E. oblonga was found in a wide pH range, while E. brevicaudatus was observed at the highest electrical conductivity levels.